Cosmetic Ingredient List (INCI)

Based on many years of experience, we have found that many companies face challenges when preparing a cosmetic product ingredient list (INCI list) correctly and meeting the regulatory requirements for ingredient labelling.
The ingredient list (INCI list) is a mandatory part of cosmetic product labelling. Individual ingredients are identified using the appropriate names in accordance with the INCI nomenclature (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) and listed in accordance with the applicable rules governing their order and declaration.
Common mistakes occur when raw materials are incorrectly treated as individual ingredients, or when the concentration at which a raw material is added to a product is directly attributed to its individual components. It is therefore important to understand the difference between a "raw material" and an "ingredient".
Raw materials: These are materials purchased from suppliers and used in the cosmetic product formulation. Some raw materials consist of several components (e.g. emulsifier blends or botanical extracts). Correctly breaking down raw materials into their individual components (ingredients) is critical for regulatory compliance and consumer confidence.
Ingredients: These are the individual components of raw materials that are declared in the final ingredient list, in accordance with the INCI nomenclature and the applicable rules governing their order and declaration.

How to prepare a cosmetic ingredient list (INCI list) correctly?

To ensure accuracy and compliance, raw materials must first be broken down into their individual ingredients. Their final concentrations in the finished product must then be calculated so that the final ingredient list can be prepared in accordance with the applicable rules governing ingredient order and declaration.

Example

Formulation of cosmetic product "X"
01
Table 1. Raw materials used to manufacture cosmetic product "X"
Cosmetic ingredient list INCI - Raw materials
02
Table 2. Individual ingredients and their final concentrations in cosmetic product "X"
Cosmetic ingredient list INCI - Individual ingredients
03
Table 3. Ingredient list on the product label
Cosmetic ingredient list INCI on product label

Our Services

To simplify the preparation of your cosmetic product documentation, we offer two levels of INCI list support depending on the information and documentation you already have.
01
Review of an Existing Ingredient List (INCI List)
If you have already prepared an INCI list based on your own calculations, we can professionally review it before it is used on the product label or packaging.
This service does not include verification of the composition of commercial raw materials or calculation of the concentrations of their individual components in the finished product.
The service includes:
  • Verification of the INCI names used.
  • Review of ingredient order based on the concentrations provided.
  • Review of the declaration of relevant allergens based on the information provided.
  • Identification of any necessary corrections to the existing INCI list.
Required documentation:
The existing INCI list prepared based on your own calculations, together with the information required for the agreed scope of the review.
02
Preparation or Detailed Review of an INCI List Based on the Formulation and Raw Material Composition Documentation
If you do not yet have an INCI list, or if you require a detailed review of an existing list based on the complete formulation and raw material composition documentation, we can perform the necessary calculations and prepare the final INCI list for your product.
This means that you do not need to break down complex raw materials into their individual components, calculate their concentrations in the finished product, or determine the correct ingredient order yourself.
The service includes:
  • Review of the formulation and documentation required to determine the composition of commercial raw materials.
  • Breakdown of commercial raw materials into their individual components based on the documentation provided.
  • Calculation of the final concentrations of ingredients in the finished product.
  • Determination of the correct ingredient order and identification of relevant allergens.
  • Preparation of the final INCI list for use in product documentation and on the product label.
Required documentation:
The exact qualitative and quantitative product formulation, including the proportions of commercial raw materials.
Manufacturer or supplier documentation containing information on the composition of the commercial raw materials and their individual components.
The final INCI list is prepared based on the information contained in the documentation provided, without making assumptions about the composition of raw materials or the proportions of their individual components.
Which service should you choose?
If you already have an INCI list prepared based on your own calculations and require a professional review, the first service is appropriate.
If an INCI list still needs to be prepared, or if you require a detailed review based on the formulation and raw material composition documentation, the second service is appropriate.
If you are not sure which service is appropriate for your product and the documentation you already have, contact us. After reviewing your request, we can define the appropriate scope of service and provide you with a quotation.

Other Cosmetic Regulatory Services