CIRS Group Successfully Assisted Enterprises in Applying for Multiple INCI Names throughout 2024

In 2024, the CIRS Group helped enterprises successfully apply for various types of International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names, including peptides, chemical synthesis-based ingredients, and more.

What is an INCI?

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is a globally recognized system for identifying cosmetic ingredients. The names are reviewed and assigned by the International Nomenclature Committee (INC) and are published by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook. They are also accessible through the online database known as wINCI.

It is important to note that INCI names are not legally binding. Having an INCI name for an ingredient does not mean that the ingredient has been approved for use in cosmetics, nor does it guarantee the ingredient's safety. Conversely, the absence of an INCI name does not imply that the ingredient cannot be used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Note: Access to the full monograph of an ingredient in the wINCI database requires a paid subscription. The monograph includes details such as the ingredient's INCI name, INCI Monograph ID, definition, classification, intended use, and more.

Why is it recommended to apply for an INCI name?

The INCI name is a globally recognized nomenclature for identifying cosmetic ingredients. It is widely used and accepted by most countries, such as those in the European Union, as an official naming standard for cosmetics. Therefore, INCI names are highly recognized and accepted internationally, making them an essential tool for global market access and regulatory compliance.

European Union

According to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, cosmetic product labels must include a list of ingredients. The names of the ingredients should be indicated using the common ingredient names listed in the glossary compiled and updated by the European Commission (CosIng database), which includes INCI names.

United States

• According to the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), the labeling on cosmetic product packaging must include the ingredients using their common or usual names.
• Under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), the cosmetic product listing registration must also include the names of the product's ingredients.
• As stipulated in 21 CFR 701.3 COSMETIC LABELING – Designation of ingredients, if no specific name is designated for a cosmetic ingredient in 21 CFR 701.3 COSMETIC LABELING – Ingredient names established for cosmetic ingredient labeling, preference should be given to the names adopted in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (i.e., INCI names).

China

Cosmetic ingredients are categorized into two types: new ingredients and existing ingredients. The distinction between these two types is determined based on whether the ingredient is included in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC). Following scientific and standardized principles, the IECIC references the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (2018 edition) compiled by PCPC to standardize cosmetic ingredient names using INCI nomenclature.

How Do You Apply for an INCI Name?

Before initiating the application for an INCI name, applicants should collect the necessary documentation based on the type of ingredients. The application must then be submitted via the PCPC website. The processing time for an INCI name application is approximately three to six months. Therefore, applicants are advised to allocate sufficient time for the application process. The specific steps for the application are as follows:

The INC meetings are typically held in February, April, June, September, and November. Applicants are required to submit their materials to the INC for preliminary review at least eight weeks prior to the start of the meeting. The INCI name for the ingredient, along with the corresponding monograph, is usually finalized approximately one month after the conclusion of the INC meeting. Additionally, each ingredient is assigned only one INCI name. Starting from January 1, 2024, the application fee for an INCI name will be updated to $1,000 per submission.

When applying for an INCI name, applicants should collect the necessary documentation based on the type of ingredient and submit the application via the PCPC website. Currently, the PCPC system categorizes ingredients into the following eight types. Applicants must prepare and complete the corresponding questionnaire according to the product category.

The detailed requirements for application materials vary depending on the type of ingredient. Generally, the required application materials include: basic information about the ingredient (trade name, molecular formula, CAS number, structural formula, and Latin name), the recommended INCI name, composition, intended use, production process, purity information, and more.

The Chinese Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database (ChinaCosIng), independently developed by CIRS Group includes INCI names sourced from the United States (US) and regulatory information from the European Union's CosIng database, such as permitted and restricted use details. It provides an independent international ingredient search portal, summaries, and detailed reports on the inclusion status of ingredients in global regulatory lists. It also establishes deep correlations with China's IECIC (Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China). For more information, you can search and explore on the ChinaCosIng platform.

Our US Compliance Services

• US FDA Cosmetic Product Facility Registration and Products Listing;
• US FDA Color Additive Certification;
• US Cosmetic and OTC Drug Notification;
• US FDA Cosmetic Labeling/Website Review;
• International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) Name Application; and
• US Responsible Person.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.