An ingredient labelling is more than just any other labels—it’s a detailed blueprint, revealing each component in descending order of concentration. It uncovers the science behind what goes onto the products that are intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance.
A cosmetic ingredient list differs from the food labels. Their serving sizes or calories are not shown in their nutritional information, of course. They emphasise the product contents with regular names. Food labels have to provide precise quantities for protein and carbs, but cosmetic labels do not have to show percentages under a specific quantity or unless for active components in some items.
For an example of an ingredient statement, on a face moisturiser it might be seen: "Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate.". This list follows the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system, which provides trade names for worldwide cosmetics components.
The ingredients list is the main ingredient of every cosmetic ingredient statement. To guarantee uniformity, governing bodies need standardised cosmetic names printed on every product label. The INCI system provides a common language for recognising cosmetic components throughout different markets. Companies have to show ingredients from lower to higher concentration. First come those with 1% or above; ingredients under 1% can show up in any order.
The CosIng database is used to understand difficult ingredient names. This popular resource helps simplify technical jargon into understandable terms. It helps us see the function of every ingredient and any possible drawbacks.
So, not every cosmetic product needs its percentage told on the label, but there are times when they are bound to do it. A product must present evidence of something specific it claims about the product, including its acknowledgement of 10% vitamin C, on its sticker. Also, products controlled as over-the-counter or nonprescription medications—such as sunscreens or anti acne treatments—need to state the amount of active ingredients. Take a sunscreen bottle; it could read something like "Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9%, Titanium Dioxide 5.5%."
But this need not appear for packs of less than or equal to 60 ml of liquid and 30 gm of solid and semi-solids.
Cosmetic products should reveal identified allergens on the labelling. Particularly fragrance-compounds are known to commonly cause reactions. Particularly strict the EU, calls for the explicit mention of 26 fragrance allergens beyond some point of concentration restriction. Especially if any consumer has sensitive skin or known allergies, the allergen information mentioned on the labelling can help them find the possibly troublesome elements.
Some components call for particular warning on the label. For example, products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) should bear caution on their increased sun sensitivity. Hair dyes with particular colorants likewise must carry cautions about possible sensitivity and guidance for patch testing before application.
Cosmetic labels have several other key features beyond the ingredient list:
Batch numbers indicating quality control and product traceability applies.
Symbols on products showing shelf life include expiration dates or period after opening (PAO).
Production description together with source country.
Volume of contents net.
Business particulars and contact information.
Product claims and their support.
Precautions and directions of application.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labelling Act, the FDA has set forth explicit rules on ingredient statement composition and format. Manufacturers are required by these regulatory bodies to meet particular ingredient declaration standards.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Modernisation of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) marks the most major revision of U.S. rules for cosmetics from 1938 onwards. Key qualifications are:
Annual product listing complete with thorough ingredient information
Reporting within 15 working days of severe adverse events
Two Year registration of production sites
Complete evidence of safety analysis
Although some little enterprises could be eligible for exceptions, most producers have to follow these rules to prevent fines and guarantee consumer protection.
This aligns with updated FDA ingredient statement requirements and growing calls for centralised tracking through a reliable FDA ingredient statement.
Most people believe that European cosmetic standards are stricter overall than in the US. According to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, cosmetic products should conform with:
Required safety reviews completed by certified experts
Push notices via the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal
Rigid ingredient controls and bans
Thorough labelling rules including information on responsible person
Effective February 2025, current revisions in Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/858 have set fresh substance restrictions including restrictions on nanomaterials such as styrene/acrylates copolymer, colloidal silver etc. Starting November 2025, hydroxyapatite in toothpastes and mouthwashes will also be subject to different concentration camps.
The rising demand for ingredient transparency is driving the shift toward cleaner, more sustainable beauty. Brands embracing clear labelling and clean formulations not only build consumer trust but also stand out in the competitive market. With trends like circular and waterless beauty gaining traction, transparency in ingredient sourcing and usage is becoming essential for meeting evolving consumer expectations.
Despite regulatory frameworks, several challenges are there in the cosmetic ingredient labelling:
Complexity of INCI names: Scientific terminology can be difficult for average consumers to understand without databases like CosIng
Trade secret protections: Fragrance formulations can be listed simply as “fragrance” or “parfum (perfume)” potentially masking dozens of individual ingredients
Regulatory differences: Global variations in requirements create compliance challenges for international brands
Emerging ingredients: New technologies like microbiome-friendly ingredients or plant-derived alternatives may lack standardised naming conventions
Compliance costs: Recent industry data reveals that approximately 50% of companies face delayed launches or reputation damage due to compliance issues, with potential recall costs exceeding $10 million
The cosmetic industry is witnessing several important trends in ingredient labelling:
QR codes linking to expanded ingredient information and blockchain technology for ingredient traceability are becoming increasingly common
Brands are simplifying formulations and highlighting the absence of controversial ingredients
Labels now often include information about biodegradability, sourcing practices, and environmental impact
Products are beginning to indicate compatibility with skin’s natural microbiome
AI-powered tools analyse ingredient lists to match products to individual skin needs and preferences
PLM streamlines ingredient labelling by offering a centralised system to manage and track all product-related information. It ensures accuracy by helping identify the precise ingredients and their concentrations that appear on the label. PLM also aids in verifying claims based on ingredient properties and flags potential allergens with 'Contains' alerts. By enhancing traceability and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, it boosts efficiency and consistency across markets, reducing the risk of labelling errors.
For businesses looking to streamline documentation, a proper ingredient statement template or statement of ingredients and additives within PLM platforms can be a game-changer.
Visit Plevenn, to know more on how PLM can help in Ingredient Statement Management.
Understanding ingredient labelling is essential for making informed decisions about cosmetic products. As regulatory requirements evolve and consumer awareness grows, transparent and accurate ingredient labelling becomes increasingly important for both manufacturers and consumers.
The future of ingredient labelling lies in greater transparency, digital innovation, and personalisation. Consumers are demanding not just lists of ingredients, but comprehensive ingredient statements with sourcing, sustainability, and ethical considerations. Brands that embrace these trends and provide clear, accessible ingredient information will build stronger relationships with increasingly knowledgeable consumers.