Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC) is an official list that catalogs all cosmetic ingredients previously used in China which can be a reference to check if belong to a new cosmetic ingredient in China. On April 30, 2021, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released the "Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients (2021 Edition)" which has been effective since May 1, 2021.
- The standard Chinese names of the ingredients listed in this catalog, along with their INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) names/English names, are based on the Catalogue of Standard Chinese Names for International Cosmetic Ingredients (2010 Edition) and the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (2018 Edition) compiled by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). For the same ingredient with different versions of INCI names, clarification is required when used.
- For ingredient names in the form of "Plant Extract," it generally indicates that the entire plant and its extracts are included as used ingredients. When used, the specific part of the plant should be specified. For ingredient names in the form of "Plant Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract" or "Plant Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract," it generally indicates that the aerial parts of the plant and their extracts are included as used ingredients. When used, the specific part of the plant should be specified.
- Ingredients marked with an asterisk (*) in the Chinese name column indicate a general category of ingredients. When used, the specific ingredient name must be specified. If the specific ingredient being used is not included in this catalog, proof must be provided to demonstrate that the ingredient has been used in products registered or filed in China. Ingredients marked with a double asterisk (**) in the Chinese name column indicate that the naming is not standardized and the animal or plant source is unclear. When used, a standardized specific ingredient name must be provided, along with proof that the ingredient has been used in products registered or filed in China.
- The maximum historical usage level of ingredients listed in this catalog can serve as a reference for simplified cosmetic safety assessment reports and provide guidance for cosmetic safety evaluations. Cosmetic registrants and filers should use the maximum historical usage level appropriately based on the product type. For ingredients with maximum historical usage levels provided only for leave-on products, rinse-off products may refer to the leave-on product information. For ingredients without maximum historical usage levels provided in the catalog, cosmetic registrants and filers may provide relevant materials as evidence for evaluation in accordance with the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety Assessment or conduct a safety risk assessment following risk assessment procedures to ensure the safe use of the ingredient.
Regulatory Implications of the IECIC
The importance of the IECIC lies in regulating the range of ingredients that can be used in cosmetics, helping to ensure the safety and compliance of cosmetics. In the Chinese market, cosmetic companies need to closely monitor the updates and changes to the IECIC to ensure that the ingredients they use comply with the inventory's requirements. Additionally, for new ingredients not included in the IECIC, companies must undergo the necessary application and approval processes to ensure product compliance.
How to Search the IECIC
- Click here to search the IECIC on GlobalCosIng.
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