Which ingredient fields can you use?
A record can exist without every field being populated. Coverage varies by ingredient and field. The API preserves null values so your application can distinguish missing data from a recorded zero.
| Data | Fields | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | name, synonyms, cas_no, ec_no | Resolve alternate ingredient names; identifiers may be missing. |
| Functions | functions, category | Add structured filters and ingredient context to your interface. |
| Available ratings | comedogenicity, irritancy | Nullable 0–5 fields. Missing values must stay unknown. |
| Match and usage | found, credits_remaining | Separate unmatched analysis rows from matched data; track your credit balance. |
How do you query an INCI ingredient?
Send an authenticated request from your backend. Keep the API key out of browser bundles and mobile clients. A successful ingredient lookup costs one credit; an unknown ingredient returns 404 without a charge.
curl "https://api.dermalytics.dev/v1/ingredients/niacinamide" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $DERMALYTICS_API_KEY"Use the live OpenAPI contract for exact fields. Official JavaScript and Python clients wrap the same API.
How should you evaluate data quality?
- Test a representative sample from your own product catalog.
- Measure matched ingredients and coverage of each field you need.
- Show missing values explicitly. A severity label does not replace checking the underlying nullable ratings.
- Review naming mismatches and establish a refresh policy before production use.
These are ingredient data fields, not a clinical assessment or a guarantee that a finished product is suitable for an individual.
Do you need ingredient data or a product catalog?
Use ingredient lookup and INCI analysis when you already have the ingredient list. Finding a finished cosmetic by name or brand is a different workflow. Our product search API preview describes that workflow and its availability requirements.
For batch analysis, credits are charged per matched ingredient, not per HTTP request. A hypothetical list with 25 matched ingredients uses 25 credits. Review plans and credit examples before estimating catalog processing costs.