Do Ingredients with the Same INCI Name Have Equivalent Properties?

Based on the discussion, ingredients with different trade names and prices but the same INCI name generally do not have entirely equivalent properties. While the INCI name identifies the basic ingredient, their specific characteristics and performance can vary significantly due to several factors:

• Grade and Purity: Different grades can have varying levels of purity. For example, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) purity affects the level of Niacin, which can cause irritation.
• Processing and Extraction Methods: The way an ingredient is processed or extracted impacts its final properties. Rose Hip Oil can differ based on processing. For natural extracts like Green Tea Extract, the extraction method and concentration of active compounds (e.g., EGCG) can vary widely.
• Physical Properties: Simple ingredients like Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) can have different viscosities depending on the grade.

Therefore, the INCI name is a basic identifier, but it doesn't guarantee identical performance or quality.

Regarding documentation, the Certificate of Analysis (COA) is relevant, especially for natural extracts, as it often details the concentration of active ingredients. MSDS provides safety information but not typically detailed quality parameters.

In conclusion, quality, purity, processing, and active compound concentration can differ between products with the same INCI name, leading to variations in properties. Checking documents like the COA can help understand these differences.