INCI formulation - how is the product formulation arranged?
Any cosmetic product placed on the market must have an INCI ingredient composition, i.e. a list of ingredients arranged in accordance with the rules described in Article 19 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. According to the Regulation, the composition of the product must appear on the outer packaging of the product. If this is not possible, it shall appear on a leaflet, tape, label or product fiche and a reference to the list of ingredients shall be indicated on the packaging by means of the appropriate "hand on book" symbol established by the Regulation.
The ingredients are listed in descending order: from those with the most at the time of addition to those with the least. The percentage of raw materials is calculated by weight. Ingredients with a concentration below 1% may be listed in any order, after those with a higher concentration. Similarly, pigments are listed in any order at the end of the composition. If the product comes in different shades, the indication "may contain" or "+/-" may be used and then the colouring agents that may (but need not) be present in the cosmetic may be listed. An exception is hair colouring products. In their formulation, the colouring agents must be listed according to their content in the cosmetic.
For safety reasons, if a product contains nanomaterials, the manufacturer must inform the customer by adding the information '(nano)' after the ingredient name.
When creating the INCI composition of a cosmetic product, the ingredient names according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) must be used. Colouring agents may be named according to the CI (Colour Index) rules. Fragrance and aroma compositions and their components are referred to by the term 'parfum' or 'aroma'. It may be different if a composition is specified as an allergen, as any allergen that exceeds 0.01% for rinse-off products and 0.001% for non-rinse-off products must be listed in the formulation.
The regulation requires the list of ingredients to be preceded by the word 'ingredients'.
Impurities in the cosmetic raw materials and materials used in the cosmetic process but removed from the cosmetic before placing it on the market are not regarded as cosmetic ingredients. They are therefore not included in the list of ingredients.
Deciphering INCI Composition: The Key to Understanding Cosmetics
Understanding the INCI composition is crucial for anyone who wants to know exactly what they are putting on their skin. This not only allows you to avoid ingredients that may cause allergic reactions, but also helps you to choose products that best meet your individual skincare needs. Remember that each ingredient has its own place and purpose in a product, and its position in the INCI list can tell you a lot about its role. Is it the main active ingredient or an auxiliary? Is it present in large quantities or only in trace amounts? You will find the answers to these questions by analysing the INCI composition. So take the time to learn to read and understand these ingredient lists - it's an investment that will benefit you for years to come.
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