Cosmetic Product and Ingredient Labeling

Reading Your Cosmetic Product Label

For each P&G Beauty & Grooming product, the ingredients can be found on the product label. While reading the usage instructions and warnings on cosmetic products is rather straightforward, the lengthy ingredient names can appear daunting. The ingredients have standardized names from the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), an international system for naming ingredients used in cosmetic products. By law the cosmetic labels must carry the INCI ingredient names, in part to avoid any potential confusion from manufacturers creating their own cosmetic ingredient naming systems. 

By standardizing the ingredient naming system, consumers can make a more informed decision with a consistent set of ingredient information. Ingredients are listed on the label in order of decreasing amount; the first ingredient on the label is typically the ingredient used in the largest amount, while the last ingredient is typically used in the smallest amount. Although the FDA does not require pre-market approval of cosmetic product labeling, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer and/or distributor to ensure that products are labeled properly.

For more information on cosmetic labeling visit http://cosmeticsinfo.org/label.php  

Products with "Drug Facts" Labeling

For some products, such as antiperspirants, anti-dandruff shampoos, sunscreens, topical anti-acne or topical antimicrobials, the first chemical listed is typically a drug ingredient or "active ingredient." These types of products are classified as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the U.S. and must meet a scientifically proven set of safety and performance standards set by the FDA (known as a monograph), in addition to cosmetic regulations.  The "drug facts" labeling panel must appear according to the OTC drug labeling requirements, and the cosmetic ingredients must be listed separately, in order of decreasing amount.

Standard Cosmetic Ingredient Lists

• The INCI Inventory of Cosmetic Ingredients, from the European Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (EINECS)
• The European Cosmetic Industry represented by the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (COLIPA) publishes an inventory of ingredients used in cosmetic products other than fragrances. This list is published in Section I of the Annex to Commission Decision 96/335/EC in accordance with Council Directive 93/35/EEC (art 5a.1). The ingredients are listed in the alphabetical order of the INCI names, which constitute together the common nomenclature for labeling throughout the E.U.
• International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook published by The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC)