INCI dictionary of common names for cosmetic ingredients - how to read the labels on packaging?

INCI glossary of cosmetic ingredients 

Every cosmetic product on the market must have a precisely defined composition. This information is given according to an international convention known as the INCI - International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. INCI glossary of cosmetic ingredients is a structured list of ingredient names that facilitates their identification by both consumers and professionals.

In the composition of a cosmetic product, one can find the Latin names of plants as well as the chemical names of active substances, emollients or preservatives. All this information must be displayed on the packaging - there is no room for inaccuracies.

Names of cosmetic ingredients as manufacturers' obligations

Current legislation requires manufacturers to include the full INCI composition on the label, in descending order of concentration. Names of cosmetic ingredients must correspond to the current entries in the EU glossary of common ingredient names (COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DECISION (EU) 2022/677 of 31 March 2022) or in the CosIng database maintained by the European Commission.

It is not enough that the raw material comes from a safe source - its labelling must be consistent with the technical documentation and the safety assessment carried out. At this stage, it is worth involving cosmetics laboratorywhich will not only check the composition, but will also assist in its formal drafting.

Labelling on cosmetics 

In addition to the INCI list, other symbols and notations can be found on the product packaging. Labelling on cosmetics include, but are not limited to:

• minimum product shelf life,
• production batch number,
• country of production,
• nominal content,
• warnings and instructions for use.
  

Incorrect markings may result in a refusal of release or the need to correct the documentation. Therefore, the process should be consistent with the data contained in the PIF documents and reports from the safety assessments of cosmetics.

Glossary of cosmetic ingredients 

INCI does not contain descriptions of the effects of substances, so consumers and those working with cosmetics are increasingly using independent sources such as dictionaries of cosmetic ingredients. Such statements help to understand the function of a substance - e.g. preservative, moisturising, fragrance or film-forming.

It is worth knowing that:

• 'Aqua' simply means water,
• "Glycerin" is a well-known moisturiser - glycerine,
• "Parfum" is a mixture of fragrances,
• "Tocopherol" is vitamin E - a natural antioxidant.
  

The abbreviations and English-language names are not coincidental - they are a result of the need to standardise naming across EU countries and other markets.

Cosmetic names vs. their true composition

Many consumers judge products solely on the basis of the label on the front - an attractive name, the colour of the packaging or a catchy slogan. Meanwhile, cosmetic declarations can suggest actions that do not always coincide with the composition.

For this reason, manufacturers are obliged to back up their claims with reliable tests. Before using the slogan 'moisturising' or 'soothing', it is advisable to have your cosmetics tested by an independent centre, which will confirm the effectiveness and safety of the claimed action.

Cosmetic ingredient dictionary to support the registration process

Correctly listing the INCI is not only a duty of information to the consumer, but also part of the registration dossier. Registration of cosmetics will not be accepted if the composition is illegible, out of date or does not comply with the current nomenclature.

The right approach to developing a label should combine:

• current toxicological knowledge,
• analysis of the component literature,
• ability to combine legal duties with marketing practice.
  

Only the combination of these elements results in a product that is safe, effective and ready for legal sale in domestic and foreign markets.

If you need support in setting up INCI composition, signage or formal documentation - get expert help with mpr-labs.com.