The EU publishes new glossary of common ingredient names

On 8 May 2019, the European Commission has published Commission decision (EU) 2019/701, establishing a glossary of common ingredient names for use in the labelling of cosmetics which has replaced the old glossary of ingredients contained in Decision 96/335/EC.

Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires a glossary, which should include International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). The inventory of ingredients used in cosmetic products and its common names, was established by Commission Decision 96/335/EC in 1996. It was updated in 2006 by Commission Decision 2006/257/EC. The latter became outdated due to several new ingredients, which were introduced onto the market every year.

Perfuming names and colorants

The Commission notes that some ingredients used in perfume and aromatic compositions do not have an INCI name. The so-called ‘’perfuming names’’ have been used in the EU for labelling purposes of these ingredients. Therefore, the glossary should adopt these lists of perfuming names.
In addition, the decision also states that the colorants other than those intended to colour the hair, should be listed by their CI (Color Index) number, where applicable.

According to the Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the Glossary will apply at the latest 12 months after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Commission decision (EU) 2019/701 will enter into force 20 days after its publication.