Cosmetic Product Safety Report

There is no set format for how the CPSR must appear, but it must follow the minimum requirements detailed in Annex I to the UK and the EU Cosmetics Regulations under each of the headings, Part A and Part B.

You will hear it referred to as an assessment report, a certificate, a cosmetic licence etc.

You can view Annex 1 here.

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients

A standardised system for naming cosmetic ingredients, recognised internationally, to ensure consistency and transparency on product labels.

Under UK and EU regulations, cosmetic product labels must use the INCI system.

When buying cosmetic supplies, it is important to be able to verify the INCI name for your chosen ingredient. Have a look at the products on our sister site, Bath and Body Base. You will find the INCI name/s clearly indicated in each ingredient listing.

International Fragrance Association.

IFRA periodically publishes a set of standards which can prohibit, restrict or set specific criteria for the use of various fragrance ingredients. These ingredients may be common to both natural and synthetic ingredients. So IFRA standards can also apply to essential oils as well as commercially bought fragrance oils.

IFRA statements are provided by fragrance and essential oil suppliers and should be retained by you as part of your PIF.

A reference database used to identify and classify colours used in cosmetics and other products, based on a numerical system.

CI stands for Colour Index. CI numbers follow the format "CIxxxxx" and will have 5 numbers after the CI prefix.  Some dyes have one CI number but for blends like micas, there can be several.

Certificate of Analysis

A document provided by suppliers that verifies the quality and purity of a specific batch of an ingredient used in cosmetics.

For some ingredients with restrictions under cosmetic regulations or IFRA, a CofA will be requested to check information about the components and calculate permitted levels of the ingredient in the finished cosmetic product.

You can find an example of what a CofA should include here.

Material Safety Data Sheet/Safety Data Sheet.

Provides information on the safety and handling of hazardous materials

You can find an example of an SDS here

Technical Data Sheet

Provides detailed technical information about the material.

You can find an example of a TDS here

Product Information File

A comprehensive file that must be maintained for each cosmetic product placed on the market, containing detailed information about the product, including its safety assessment, manufacturing process, and proof of claims if any.

Members can access an example PIF here.

Good Manufacturing Practice

A system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards, covering all aspects of production, from raw materials to finished products. GMP should be documented and held as part of your product information file.

An example GMP statement to help you create your own can be found here

Period After Opening

A symbol indicating the length of time a cosmetic product remains safe and effective for use after it has been opened, typically shown in months.

Members can access our free cosmetic labelling guide here.

Challenge Test/Preservative Efficacy Testing

A laboratory based physical test conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of preservatives in a cosmetic product, ensuring that it remains free from microbial contamination throughout its shelf life.

Total Viable Count with Specific Pathogens Test

Laboratory based test that forms part of the PET/CT. Also used per batch for emulsions with CT in place. A useful tool to ensure compliance for home made macerates.

It is always essential to have your product formulation checked for compliance before committing to any lab based tests, to avoid the expense of repeat testing. Contact us for a free review.

Submit Cosmetic Product Notification

Part of the regulatory framework for cosmetic products in the UK. SCPN is a mandatory process for notifying the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) about cosmetic products that are intended to be placed on the UK market. This notification must be done before the product is made available to consumers.

Often referred to simply as "The Portal" you can find that here.

Cosmetic Products Notification Portal

The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) is an online platform established by the European Commission for the notification of cosmetic products placed on the market within the European Union (EU).

Often referred to as the EU Portal, you can find it here.

If we have missed something, or you just need an explanation, more information or clarity, we are here to help. Don't hesitate to ask, no question is a problem.

Contact us today.