INCI Names for Korean Ingredients: Converting Hangul Lists

To get correct INCI names for Korean ingredients, look each Korean name up in the Korea Cosmetic Association (KCA) ingredient dictionary, which pairs Korean standard names with their English names, and then confirm them in the EU’s CosIng database.

Do not run a Korean ingredient list through machine translation. Korean standard names were themselves created by transliterating or translating INCI names, so a dictionary lookup in reverse usually gives you the exact INCI name, while a literal translation produces errors such as “Purified Water” for water.

If you import Korean cosmetics, you will often receive packaging with a Hangul-only ingredient list. These steps show how to convert it reliably.

Step 1: Get the original Korean ingredient list

Ask the brand or its Korean responsible seller for the ingredient list as printed on the pack, ideally as text rather than a photo. Korean labels list ingredients in descending order of content and break down blended raw materials into their individual components. Keep that order; it is the same principle EU labels follow for ingredients above 1%.

Step 2: Look up INCI names in the KCA dictionary

The KCA cosmetic ingredient dictionary returns the English name, CAS number, function and Korean regulatory limits for each Korean standard name. The association publishes its naming rules in its standard for ingredient names (PDF): where the English name is a chemical name it is transliterated into Hangul, and otherwise it is translated.

Common examples:

Swipe sideways to see the whole table.

Step 3: Use supplier documents for anything missing

New raw materials and unusual plant extracts may not appear in the dictionary. In that case, ask the brand for the raw material supplier’s specification or certificate of analysis, which states the INCI name.

INCI names are assigned by the International Nomenclature Committee of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the US, usually at the request of the raw material supplier. Plant ingredients follow a pattern of genus, species, plant part and form, so never invent an English name from the Korean one.

Step 4: Confirm in CosIng and the EU glossary

For the EU market, search each name in the CosIng database¹ to confirm the spelling and check for annex restrictions. Under Article 33 of the Cosmetics Regulation, EU labels must use the common ingredient names in the Commission’s glossary, currently Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/677².

The glossary is based on INCI but lists colourants by Colour Index number and some fragrance ingredients under established perfuming names.

Doing the restriction check at the same time saves work; our Korea vs EU ingredient restrictions comparison shows where the two systems differ.

Step 5: Apply your market’s labelling rules

Article 19 of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009³ requires ingredients in descending order of weight, with ingredients below 1% allowed in any order after those above 1%. Fragrance compositions appear as “parfum” or “aroma”, allergens above the thresholds are named separately, and nanomaterials carry “(nano)” after the name.

In the US, ingredient labelling still follows FDA’s existing labelling rules after MoCRA, while ASEAN and Middle East markets each set their own language requirements. See our guides to CPNP, MoCRA and ASEAN notification.

Common mistakes

• Translating each ingredient word by word with a dictionary.
• Re-sorting the list alphabetically instead of keeping the Korean order.
• Listing a blended raw material under its trade name.
• Mixing the generic “fragrance” entry with individual fragrance components inconsistently.

Why this matters for buyers

Your responsible person, customs broker or retailer will check the ingredient list before anything else. A clean INCI list that matches the brand’s records speeds up notification, avoids relabelling and reduces the risk of a product being held. Ask your Korean supplier early whether the brand can provide an English INCI list.

SEONGWOO GLOBAL supplies Korean skincare to overseas buyers from Seoul. If you are preparing to import, the pages below explain how we work.

Related articles: Korea vs EU ingredient restrictions · EU CPNP notification · Product information file

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