How to list ingredients on a Cosmetic Product in the UK and EU
The guidance provided below is applicable under both the UK and EU Cosmetics Regulations.
Ingredient labelling for cosmetics was implemented to assist individuals in making informed choices about their purchases, particularly if they have a diagnosed allergy to a specific ingredient. Such labelling also aids dermatologists in identifying the cause of a patient’s reaction.
An ingredient is defined as any substance or mixture intentionally used in the cosmetic product during the manufacturing process.
The list of ingredients must be arranged in descending order of weight at the time of addition to the cosmetic product. It should commence with the word ‘INGREDIENTS’ in upper or lower case, followed by each ingredient in descending order of weight. However, ingredients constituting less than 1% may be listed in any order after those of 1% or more. Colouring agents, except for hair colorants, may be listed in any order after other ingredients, using their Colour Index (CI) number.
Several fragrance allergens necessitate labelling in the ingredient list if their concentration exceeds a certain threshold.
Article 19 of both the UK and EU Cosmetics Regulations mandates that products containing fragrances must include the word “parfum” in the ingredients list. Additionally, all fragrance allergens present in a cosmetic product must be labelled if they surpass 0.01% (for rinse-off products) or 0.001% (for leave-on products). Fragrance allergens are governed by Annex III in both the UK and EU Cosmetics Regulations.