The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 by the industry trade association (then the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, now the Personal Care Products Council), with the support of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety is responsible for thoroughly reviewing and assessing the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in an open, unbiased, and expert manner, and publishes the results in the peer-reviewed literature (the International Journal of Toxicology). As part of these efforts to be open and unbiased, non-voting liaisons from government, industry, and consumer groups, participate in every Expert Panel meeting.
Following each meeting, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) publishes a Post-Meeting Announcement to summarize the evaluation progress and results regarding cosmetic ingredients. The outcomes are classified into three categories: Final Safety Assessments, Tentative Safety Assessments, and Insufficient Data Announcements.
For example, in 2024, the CIR Expert Panel held four Expert Panel meetings (the 168th to 171st meetings) and issued a total of ten Final Safety Assessments covering cosmetic ingredients, including: 1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene-1 ingredient-Safe as a hair dye, Yeast-56 ingredients-Split conclusion (18 Safe as used / 21 Safe with qualifications/ 17 Insufficient data), 4-Amino-m-Cresol -1 ingredient-Safe as a hair dye, Lanolin-9 ingredients-Safe as used, etc.
Regulatory Implications of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Assessments
CIR assessments provide independent, science-based evaluations of ingredient safety, which are widely recognized by regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and consumers and serve as important references for regulatory compliance, risk management, and product development. It is strongly recommended that cosmetic companies closely monitor CIR assessments to ensure the safety of their formulations, proactively address potential safety concerns, and demonstrate due diligence in ingredient selection. Referring to CIR related assessments can help companies enhance product safety, support regulatory compliance, and facilitate smooth market access in the U.S..
How to Search the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Assessments
Click here to search the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Assessments.
Regulations and Standards
- The MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022)
- The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)
Our Services
- The United States Agent
- The United States FDA Cosmetic Facility Registration
- The United States FDA Cosmetic Product Listing
- The United States FDA OTC Drug Registration
- The United States Color Additive Batch Certification
- The United States Cosmetic/OTC Drug Labeling Review
- International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) Name Application
If you have any questions, please contact us at cosmetic@cirs-group.com.
