January 13, 2025

The cosmetic industry operates under a system that ensures product safety and transparency, with ingredient labelling being one of its most critical aspects. The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) provides a standardized system for naming ingredients in cosmetics, ensuring consistency and safety across markets. However, navigating the complexities of INCI compliance, particularly with regional variations, requires specialized expertise.

What is INCI?

INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the standardized naming system for ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products. It enables consumers to easily identify and understand what goes into the products they use, helping to avoid allergens or harmful substances. While the system is harmonized globally, slight variations, especially for botanical ingredients, may occur between regions, such as the EU's modifications to the global INCI names.

Key Areas Where Maven Helps

1. Ingredient Review and Nomenclature Compliance

One of the primary challenges in cosmetic labelling is ensuring that ingredients are named and classified accurately according to INCI standards. This system provides a universal language for identifying and listing ingredients in cosmetic products, but the nuances of regional regulations can make compliance complex.

Maven’s experts specialize in reviewing cosmetic ingredient lists to ensure they adhere to INCI nomenclature. This includes identifying and correcting discrepancies between global INCI names and regional variations, particularly in the case of botanical ingredients where the European Union (EU) may use different terminology. Maven helps manufacturers stay on top of these variations, ensuring that all ingredients are correctly listed on product labels, whether they are marketed in Europe, the United States, Canada, or other regions. By ensuring compliance with both global standards and regional specifics, Maven provides an added layer of assurance that products will pass regulatory scrutiny and be accepted in international markets.

2. Regulatory Strategy for Global Markets

Navigating the complex and diverse regulatory requirements for cosmetic products across multiple regions can be overwhelming for manufacturers. Each region, including the EU, US, and Canada, has its own set of regulations and expectations when it comes to labelling, safety, and ingredient disclosure. This is especially true for cosmetics, where ingredient regulations can vary greatly from one jurisdiction to another.

Maven’s regulatory experts tailor strategies that ensure cosmetic products meet the requirements of each target market. Whether you are launching a product in the US, EU, or Canada, Maven ensures that your labelling is compliant with INCI standards, addressing the unique needs and regulations of each market. This strategic approach allows manufacturers to simplify the compliance process, avoid costly delays, and expand their product reach across borders without the risk of regulatory rejection.

3. Safety Assessments and Risk Analysis

The safety of cosmetic products is paramount, and Maven’s toxicology team is highly skilled in conducting thorough safety assessments to evaluate the potential risks of each ingredient. With stringent regulations governing the safety of cosmetic ingredients, particularly those that are used in products that are applied to the skin, it is critical to ensure that ingredients are safe for consumer use.

Maven’s toxicologists evaluate ingredients for potential allergens, irritants, and other safety concerns, providing scientific evidence to support their safety and efficacy. This is especially important when dealing with ingredients that may have variations in their naming under the INCI system, particularly those used in botanical or herbal formulations. Maven’s team ensures that any ingredient variations in the INCI list are supported by rigorous scientific testing, providing manufacturers with the data needed to demonstrate ingredient safety to regulatory authorities.

The safety assessments include testing for:

  • Potential allergens: Ensuring that ingredients do not trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • Irritants: Identifying ingredients that could irritate or damage the skin.
  • Long-term effects: Evaluating the safety of prolonged use for specific age groups, such as children or sensitive populations.

4. Labelling and Marketing Guidance

In addition to ensuring that cosmetic ingredient lists are compliant with regulations, Maven also offers labelling and marketing guidance to enhance product appeal and consumer trust. In today’s competitive market, a clear, accurate, and transparent ingredient list is crucial for gaining consumer confidence. Misleading or inaccurate ingredient names can lead to regulatory scrutiny and damage a brand’s reputation.

Maven’s experts provide guidance on how to craft product labels that are both regulatory-compliant and consumer-friendly. This includes:

  • Ensuring that ingredient names are clear, accurate, and conform to INCI standards.
  • Optimizing labels to build consumer trust, with straightforward language and transparency about ingredient sourcing and safety.
  • Helping brands avoid misleading claims that could result in regulatory issues.

The Role of Regulatory Bodies in INCI

Global regulatory authorities play a critical role in ensuring the proper application of the INCI system, with a focus on consumer safety and accurate labelling. Some of the key bodies involved include:

  • European Medicines Agency (EMA): The EMA ensures that cosmetic products meet safety standards in the EU, addressing discrepancies between EU-specific INCI names and global INCI names for certain ingredients.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA): In the US, the FDA regulates cosmetic ingredients and labelling, ensuring that they are safe for consumers and compliant with both INCI standards and additional FDA-specific requirements.
  • Health Canada: Health Canada oversees cosmetic ingredient labelling in Canada, ensuring that they adhere to INCI standards and are safe for use by the public.
  • International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR): This organization works to harmonize cosmetic regulations globally, helping to ensure that the INCI nomenclature is consistently applied across different regions, making it easier for cosmetic manufacturers to enter international markets.

Conclusion

Ensuring compliance with INCI guidelines is essential for cosmetic manufacturers looking to market their products in different regions. Maven offers specialized expertise in navigating the complexities of INCI labelling, regulatory compliance, and safety assessments. By partnering with Maven, manufacturers can ensure that their products are labelled correctly, meet global regulatory standards, and are safe for consumers.

With Maven’s deep expertise in toxicology and regulatory affairs, cosmetic brands can confidently expand into international markets, ensuring both regulatory compliance and consumer trust. From ingredient review and nomenclature compliance to safety assessments and marketing guidance, Maven provides a comprehensive suite of services that ensure your cosmetic products are ready for market, globally.