INGREDIENTS
Claims, compliance and consumer awareness tips Ingredients in the formulation of a product are arguably the most important aspect of any consumer product, as it’s the formulation that produces the desired effect. Cosmetic products are no exception to this, as they are used to deliver an effect, be it ‘cleansing, perfuming, correcting body odours, conditioning, beautifying, protecting, or promoting attractiveness’. By Yashmay Gordhon, CTFA
T
he aesthetic appeal of packaging,
This harmonised listing of ingredients
together with product claims, and
across different countries allows
the product descriptor itself are often
consumers to identify and recognise
foremost to pique a consumer’s interest in
ingredient names on cosmetics sold
a product. However, the formulation that
worldwide. This system of naming
will provide the desired effect is no longer
ingredients also eliminates confusion that
overlooked. Consumers are increasingly
may arise as a result of listing ingredient
aware of ingredients considered ‘good’,
trade names or common names, which
‘clean’ or ‘safe’, and those that are
can differ from country to country.
considered ‘unhealthy’ or ‘unsafe’ –
Understanding cosmetic ingredients has become increasingly important in terms of their description, limits for use and use restrictions
Health’s (DOH) Government Notice R1469
social media. Understanding cosmetic
draft Regulations relating to Labelling,
ingredients has become increasingly
Advertising and Composition of Cosmetics,
important in terms of their description, limits
22 December 2017, the requirement
for use and use restrictions and the actual
for a cosmetic ingredient listing is that
meaning of ingredient claims made on
the labelling of a product must include
packaging. Like any product, consumers
‘the list of ingredients according to INCI
develop an interest in certain trends, which
nomenclature’. Should the packaging
often dictates the types of ingredients
be too small, the ingredient listing must
consumers actively seek or prefer.
appear ‘on an attached leaflet, label, inlay, tape, tag or card’ or ‘on a notice in
Naming and labelling ingredients
the cosmetic product is exposed for sale’.
extracts, seeds, juices and powders to
The restrictions outlined
preservatives, colourants, diluents and
Similar to pharmaceuticals, for safety
solvents etc. Differing from pharmaceutical
reasons, certain ingredients can be
products, cosmetics do not contain
used with specified limits and/or under
‘active ingredients’, as this would denote
certain restrictions only. The Annexes
a medicinal function, which a cosmetic
of Government Notice R 1469 draft
product does not provide.
Regulations Relating to Labelling,
The cosmetic ingredient listing also
Advertising and Composition of Cosmetics,
differs from other consumer products, in
22 December 2017, provides the legislative
that it must adhere to a specific system
requirements for such ingredients. In some
International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients or INCI. | JUNE 2020 | P C Review
close proximity to the container in which
Cosmetic ingredients range from
of naming ingredients, known as the
40
As outlined by the Department of
often informed by the hype created by
cases, the use of restricted ingredients must be accompanied by a warning statement on the label to ensure that
