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CosIng is an official cosmetic ingredient database of the European Union (EU) under the amendment of Decision 2006/257/EC. It features more than 15000 ingredients used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products. The purpose of introducing the ingredients database was to replace the time-consuming method of gathering information related to ingredients and to promote innovation and dynamism. With the help of CosIng, it is easy for manufacturers to ensure that the changes made in the formulation of any product are compliant with the regulations of the EU. It makes the whole process of manufacturing efficient and cost-effective.

CosIng lists ingredients from the previous inventory as well as the list of banned/restricted ingredients by the EU. The database helps manufacturers to check if there are any restrictions associated to a particular ingredient. The inventory includes:

  • Chemical as well as the common name of ingredients as per the Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009; in order to achieve accurate labeling
  • EU regulations related to a specified ingredient
  • Links to the opinions on the Consumer Products (SCCP) by Scientific Committee  

Further, the inventory is divided into two parts:

  1. Section 1 – It consists of all the cosmetic ingredients; except perfume and aromatic raw material.
  2. Section 2 – It consists cosmetic ingredients related to perfume and aromatic raw material.

The Search In CosIng

A manufacturer can search the database in the following ways:

  1. Simple Search – With simple search, a manufacturer can search the database for cosmetic ingredients on the basis of Substance names, e.g. International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names, International Nonproprietary Name (INN) name, Pharmacopoeia Europaea (Ph. Eur.) name, chemical name, or the status and scope of their Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) or EC numbers.
  2. Advanced Search – In advanced search, the manufacturer can extend the criteria for the basic search by including Ph. Eur. Name, restriction and function for ingredients, reference number, regulation reference and/or publication date for substances under the Cosmetics Regulation.

Important Notes

  1. If an ingredient exists in the database with an INCI, it does not mean that it is approved for usage in cosmetic products.
  2. Ingredients, such as colorants, preservatives and UV filters, are included in the database only if they are approved under Annexes IV, V, respectively VI of the Cosmetic Regulation No 1223/2009.
  3. Ingredients for medicinal products can also be found in CosIng.
  4. The safety assessment of the product must also support the usage of an ingredient in a cosmetic product.

While the database has proved to be a great advantage to all the manufacturers, the list of its ingredients is not exhaustive. There might be more about the ingredients used in manufacturing which you should know. Any assistance required, reach out to us at sales@freyrsolutions.com.