The labelling of a cosmetic product (including the container, outer packaging and any additional labelling item) must only be prepared in a way that reflects the product information file after the product information file has been compiled and reviewed by the responsible person.
There is information that must be included on the labelling of all cosmetic products. This information can be on the primary packaging itself, such as the bottle or jar containing the cosmetic product, or on a label attached to the primary packaging, or in addition to it, on secondary packaging, such as a box.
According to the regulation, the label must carry the following information in indelible, easily readable and visible letters. The information on the label must not be misleading and must not exaggerate the effectiveness and function of the products.
Label Element |
Requirements & Format |
Primary Packaging |
SecondaryPackaging |
| Trade Name of the cosmetic product | Brand – trade name – cosmetic function |
Yes |
Yes |
| Function of the product | Unless it is clear from its presentation and it wasn’t mentioned on the product name |
Yes |
Yes |
| Name and address of the Responsible Person | Responsible person can be any natural or legal person in the EU, it can be manufacturer, importer, distributor of any other third party with a written mandate.
Can be abbreviated as long as it is still possible to identify the person and his address |
Yes |
Yes |
| Country of origin | “Made in …” |
Yes* |
Yes* |
| Nominal Quantity | Nominal quantity given by weight or volume on packaging, with the exception of packages containing less than 5 grams or 5 millilitres, free samples and single-application packages. (Net contents should be given in metric for the EU market. |
Yes |
Yes |
| Shelf-Life and/or Period After Opening (PAO) | For cosmetic products with a minimum shelf life of ≤ 30 months, the following symbol and/ or the expression “best before use + MM/DD/YYY” should be added on the label: 
For cosmetic products with a minimum shelf life of > 30 months and PAO if relevant, information about this period during which the cosmetic product can be used safely after opening should be indicated by the following symbol: |
Yes |
Yes |
| Instructions for Use and Warnings | These are necessary instructions and warnings on how to use the product safely. |
No** |
Yes |
| Ingredients list | The ingredients list should include the INCI names of each ingredient, including allergen and Color Index (CI) numbers. Ingredients should be listed in descending order of weight. As an exception, ingredients with concentrations of less than 1% may be listed in any order (after all main ingredients).
Fragrance and flavour raw materials should be listed with the names “Parfum” and “Aroma” respectively. Colorants are identified by “CI” followed by their number. They may be listed in any order after all other ingredients are listed. Coloured products such as lipstick and eye shadow often come in a variety of colours. Here, the “+/-” symbol or the words “may contain” may appear before the colour list. |
No** |
Yes |
* If the products are imported to the EU or will be exported from the EU origin statement is mandatory.
**Where it is impossible for practical reasons to label the Instructions for Use and Warnings and Ingredients list as provided, the following applies:
— the information shall be mentioned on an enclosed or attached leaflet, label, tape, tag or card;
— unless impracticable, this information shall be referred to by abbreviated information or the symbol must appear on the container or packaging for the information referred.
Abbrevated information : “Reference to enclosed or attached information”
Symbol:
Language: The EU consists of 27 different countries and according to the cosmetic labelling laws, it is mandatory to translate certain information on the labels into local languages. The language of labelling and packaging is determined by the laws of the member states in which the product is intended to be marketed and sold.
Meet our expert team to ensure you have a compliant label, from regulatory requirements to compliance on marketing claims. Check out our Cosmetic Label Review service!
