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. On June 24, 2025, China’s NMPA further standardized the management of cosmetic ingredients by dividing the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC) into two lists: IECIC I and IECIC II.
IECIC I is a revised version of the IECIC published by NMPA in 2021. It removes the item “maximum historical use concentration in products,” standardizes the Chinese names and INCI/English names of certain ingredients, and updates relevant remarks in accordance with the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety Assessment.
- For ingredients included in this IECIC I that are also listed as prohibited, restricted, or permitted cosmetic ingredients, registrants and filers shall use them in accordance with the mandatory national standards and technical specifications.
- In the “INCI Name/English Name” column of this Catalogue, italicized text indicates the English name.
- For ingredients listed in IECIC I in the format of “[Plant Name] Extract,” it generally indicates that the whole plant and its extracts are considered used ingredients. The specific plant part used should be indicated during use. For ingredients listed as “[Plant Name] Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract” or “[Plant Name] Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract,” it generally indicates that the above-ground parts and their extracts are considered used ingredients. The specific plant part used should also be specified.
- Ingredients marked with an asterisk “*” in the Chinese name column represent a general category of ingredients. When using such ingredients, the specific name must be indicated. If the specific ingredient is not included in this Catalogue, supporting documentation must be provided to prove its use in registered or filed products in China. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to: a description of the specific ingredient issued by the ingredient manufacturer, purchase invoices from the enterprise, product registration/filing information, formulation, and production batch records of products that have used the ingredient.
- Ingredients marked with a double asterisk “**” in the Chinese name column indicate that the name is non-standard and the botanical or zoological source is unclear. A standardized and specific ingredient name should be provided, along with supporting documentation proving its use in registered or filed products in China. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to: a description of the specific ingredient issued by the ingredient manufacturer, purchase invoices from the enterprise, product registration/filing information, formulation, and production batch records of products that have used the ingredient.
- When two names are listed under one serial number, they refer to the same ingredient. The plant ingredient name listed in the INCI or the standardized Chinese name should be used. The use of names marked as “former names” is not recommended.
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 I
- Click here to search the IECIC I on GlobalCosIng.
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