In the EU, ingredient lists on cosmetics must use the common ingredient names from the glossary established under the Cosmetics Regulation, which follows INCI names. The list runs in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture, with ingredients present at 1% or less in any order. In the US, ingredient declarations on consumer cosmetics are required under 21 CFR 701.3. Substances that must be declared individually, such as certain fragrance allergens, are listed by name.

Why it matters for labeling

A reformulation that swaps one ingredient for a chemically similar one may not trigger a label review, so the old INCI name stays on the pack. Expanded fragrance allergen declarations also add names that have to appear correctly in every language version.

Common mistakes

  • Ingredient order not updated after a reformulation
  • Allergens hidden under a generic parfum entry
  • Old names carried over from a previous formulation
  • Spelling differences between language versions

Sources