EU Cosmetic Ingredients (EU CosIng) is the official database compiled and updated by the European Commission. It has not only included cosmetic ingredients listed in previous inventory of cosmetic ingredients, but also included the latest list of prohibited/restricted cosmetic ingredients in EU.
EU CosIng consists of cosmetic substances and ingredients contained in the:
- Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC (cosmetics directive), as amended
- Glossary of common ingredient names for the purpose of labelling cosmetic products placed on the market (as established by Decision (EU) 2019/701 of 5 April 2019)
- Opinions on cosmetic ingredients of the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (list of SCCS opinions)
- CAS, ELINCS or EINECS numbers can be searched for in CosIng. The database includes all data since the adoption of the Cosmetics Directive in 1976. Current data is listed as 'active', while historical data is listed as 'not active'.
- Concerning ingredients used in cosmetic products as colorants, preservatives and UV filters, only those authorized in Annexes IV, V, respectively VI to Cosmetic Regulation No 1223/2009 are listed in the EU CosIng.
The EU Annexes are integral parts of the EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, which governs the safety and compliance of cosmetic products within the European Union. The annexes list substances with specific regulations and are regularly updated to reflect scientific advancements and regulatory changes, ensuring consumer safety and product efficacy.
The main lists included in the EU Annexes are as follows:
- Annex II: List of substances prohibited in cosmetic products, which specifies substances that are banned from use in cosmetic formulations.
- Annex III: List of substances subject to restrictions, which outlines specific conditions and limitations for the use of certain substances (e.g., maximum concentration, usage restrictions).
- Annex IV: List of colorants allowed in cosmetic products, which details the colorants permitted for use in cosmetics and their applicable conditions.
- Annex V: List of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products, which provides a list of approved preservatives along with their maximum allowable concentrations.
- Annex VI: List of UV filters allowed in cosmetic products, which specifies the substances that can be used as UV filters and their respective usage restrictions.
Regulatory Implications of the EU CosIng
EU CosIng is an essential tool in the EU cosmetics regulatory framework, ensuring the compliance, transparency, and safety of cosmetic ingredients. It is strongly recommended that cosmetic companies refer to EU CosIng to ensure their formulations comply with EU regulations, avoid the use of prohibited or restricted ingredients, and facilitate smooth market entry into the EU.
How to Search the EU CosIng
Click here to search the EU CosIng on GlobalCosIng.
Regulations and Standards
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products (recast)
Our Services
- EU Cosmetic Product Formula and Label Review
- EU Cosmetic Responsible Person
- Product Information File (PIF)
- EU Cosmetic Safety Assessment (CPSR)
If you have any questions, please contact us at cosmetic@cirs-group.com.
