Welcome to The INCI Files, where beauty meets chemistry.
The beauty industry is filled with impressive claims, complicated ingredient lists, and products that promise to transform your skin. But what actually works? Which ingredients are worth paying for? And when are you simply paying for the packaging, the marketing, or the name on the bottle? The INCI Files was created to answer those questions.
With more than 12 years of experience as a cosmetic formulator, I have spent my career working behind the scenes of the beauty industry – developing and evaluating skincare formulations and gaining a deep understanding of the chemistry, ingredients, and technology that go into the products we use every day.
This blog is where I share that perspective with you.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients behind your favorite beauty products, explore the science and chemistry that make formulations work, and break down what the ingredient list can—and sometimes can’t—tell you. I’ll also take a critical look at products across the beauty industry to help you understand which products are worth the investment and which ones might be better left on the shelf.
My goal isn’t to tell you what to buy. It’s to give you the information you need to make smarter, more informed decisions about the products you choose.
Behind the Expertise
My professional experience extends beyond product development. I’ve also been actively involved with the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, serving in leadership roles at both the local and national levels.
At the Long Island Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, I have served as Chair and Treasurer. At the national organization, I have served as Treasurer and Area I Director.
These experiences have given me the opportunity to work alongside other professionals in the cosmetic science community and stay connected to the evolving science, technology, and innovation shaping the beauty industry.
What You’ll Find at The INCI Files
Ingredient Deep Dives
Understand what ingredients actually do, why they’re used, and whether the science supports the claims made about them.
The Chemistry of Beauty
Explore the formulation science behind skincare, haircare, and other beauty products—without needing a chemistry degree to understand it.
Product Reviews & Analysis
A closer look at products from a formulation perspective, including whether the ingredients, technology, and performance justify the price tag.
Worth the Spend?
Because expensive doesn’t always mean better. I’ll help you separate genuinely innovative formulations from products that may rely more on marketing than meaningful formulation advantages.
The Bottom Line
Clear, practical takeaways to help you decide what deserves a place on your shelf—and what doesn’t.
The beauty industry can be complicated. Ingredient lists can be confusing. And marketing can make it difficult to know what to believe.
My goal with The INCI Files is simple: to make the science behind beauty easier to understand and help you become a more informed consumer.
Welcome to The INCI Files.