Where’s the Flaxseed? Ingredient Labels in Haircare + Transparency

Raw Flaxseed

Recently, I picked up a haircare product with which I was unfamiliar while shopping. The front of the packaging mentioned flaxseed, which immediately caught my attention. Naturally, I flipped it over to check the ingredient list, but at first glance, I didn’t see “flaxseed” anywhere.

Instead, I found Linum usitatissimum (Linseed) seed oil—the official INCI name for flaxseed oil.

This isn’t an issue with the product at all. In fact, the brand followed the correct naming standards. But moments like this highlight a common gap between scientifically accurate ingredient labeling and how consumers interpret product claims. It’s a great example of why understanding ingredient names matters—not just for formulators and brand founders, but for consumers looking to make informed choices.

Why Are Some Ingredient Names Different on the Label?

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system ensures that ingredients are named consistently across all products, no matter where they’re sold. While many of us are used to seeing “flaxseed” in wellness and beauty spaces, its official name in cosmetic formulations is Linum usitatissimum (Linseed) seed oil.

For brands, using INCI names is a requirement for regulatory compliance and global recognition. But for consumers who don’t know this system, it can sometimes feel like an ingredient is missing—when in reality, it’s just listed under its standardized name.

How Brands Can Make Ingredient Transparency More Accessible

Moments like this are a great reminder that transparency isn’t just about listing ingredients correctly—it’s also about making sure consumers can easily understand what they’re using.

Here are a few ways brands can bridge the gap between technical accuracy and consumer-friendly communication:

• Use both common and INCI names in marketing materials, product pages, and social media content. A simple “(Flaxseed Oil)” next to Linum usitatissimum in descriptions can go a long way.

• Educate through storytelling. Ingredient callouts on packaging are a great way to highlight key benefits, but reinforcing those claims with clear explanations helps customers connect the dots.

• Create content that breaks down labels. Whether it’s blog posts, ingredient glossaries, or short videos, teaching customers how to read labels builds trust and positions your brand as an authority.

  
  

Why Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil is a Great Addition to Haircare

For those curious about why this ingredient was highlighted in the first place, flaxseed oil has some impressive benefits for hair:

✔ Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

✔ Moisture Retention 

✔ Smooths & Enhances Shine

Final Thoughts: A Small Detail, A Big Opportunity

The way the brand labeled its ingredients was completely correct, but my brief moment of searching for “flaxseed” on the ingredient list made me realize how often this happens. It’s a small moment, but one that speaks to a bigger conversation about how brands communicate with their customers.

For brands, ingredient transparency isn’t just about following regulations—it’s an opportunity to educate, engage, and build trust. For consumers, learning to recognize INCI names can help make more confident product choices.

So, next time you’re scanning a label and don’t see an ingredient right away, take a second look. You might just find it under a different name.

Would love to hear—have you ever looked for an ingredient and not recognized the name? Let’s talk about it.