Resources for Ingredient Monitoring

Monitoring cosmetic ingredients is essential for ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. Several resources and systems have been developed to assist manufacturers, regulators, and consumers in assessing and understanding cosmetic ingredients. This article explores key tools and databases—Cosing, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), COSMILE Europe, and INCI Decoder—that provide vital information on ingredient safety, usage, and regulatory status.

Cosing

Once an ingredient has been thoroughly assessed and identified as posing a risk, it becomes subject to regulations outlined in the Annexes of the Cosmetic Product Regulation:

Annex II: Lists substances that are entirely prohibited in cosmetic products.
Annex III: Includes substances that are restricted in use.
Annex IV: Contains authorized colorants.
Annex V: Lists approved preservatives.
Annex VI: Enumerates authorized UV filters.

It is crucial to highlight that Annex I specifies the mandatory safety information required for all cosmetic products, ensuring consumer safety against potential dangers. Furthermore, all cosmetic ingredients must be registered with the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) through the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system. After registration, these ingredients are recorded in the Cosing database, allowing their utilization in the European Union market.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review- CIR

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) examines individual chemical compounds as they are used in cosmetic products. The CIR uses the International System of Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) to determine which ingredients to evaluate. The Expert Panel on Cosmetic Ingredient Safety provides panel books, safety assessments, and other materials related to the ingredient or ingredients being evaluated.

COSMILE

Cosmetics Europe launched its new cosmetic ingredients database, COSMILE Europe, on 16 February 2023. A European database of cosmetic ingredients to help manufacturers and consumers find information about the ingredients list displayed on the label or packaging of cosmetic and personal care products.

The new database is available in 14 languages ​​and contains information on 30,000 cosmetic ingredients. Specifically, the database contains information on ingredient properties, functions, whether they are man-made and/or naturally derived, and in what types of products they may be found.

Cosmetic ingredient information in the COSMILE Europe database can be searched by common ingredient names, INCI names, or a group of substances or product types.

INCI Decoder

INCI Decoder is a website where the INCI name of an ingredient or the all composition list analysis of a cosmetic product can be found.