Essential Terminology Resources

Authoritative databases for INCI nomenclature, ingredient compliance, and regulatory reference across major cosmetics markets

Building Your Regulatory Terminology Infrastructure

Effective regulatory localization requires access to authoritative ingredient databases, nomenclature systems, and compliance references. These resources provide the foundation for terminology validation, INCI accuracy verification, and regulatory status checking across EU, US, China, and Japan markets. Use these databases in combination with specialized localization expertise to ensure submission-ready documentation.

Quick Reference: Which Database for Which Task?

Process / Verification	Official Database
EU PIF/CPNP Submission	CosIng Database
China NMPA Filing	IECIC Database
INCI Name Verification	PCPC INCI Database
Chemical Properties Research	PubChem
US Prohibited Ingredients	FDA Cosmetics
Allergen Information	SkinSAFE Database

Official Regulatory Databases

Authoritative sources maintained by regulatory agencies. These are legal references for compliance submissions and the definitive sources for ingredient approval status.

CosIng – EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database

European Commission DG GROW

Official EU

THE authoritative source for EU regulatory compliance. CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database) contains all approved cosmetic ingredients in the European Union with complete regulatory status, restrictions, and nomenclature standards. This is the definitive reference for Product Information Files (PIFs) and CPNP notifications.

Database Contents:
– All approved cosmetic ingredients in EU
– INCI names, CAS numbers, EC numbers
– Annex classifications (prohibited, restricted substances)
– Maximum concentrations and usage conditions
– Official EU reference for PIFs and CPNP submissions

Access CosIng Database

Essential for: EU regulatory submissions, INCI verification, Annex classification checking, concentration limit validation

IECIC – China Cosmetic Ingredient Database

National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC)

Official China

Official inventory of existing cosmetic ingredients approved for use in China. Required reference for all NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) submissions. Provides Chinese nomenclature with INCI cross-references for ingredient compliance verification.

Database Contents:
– China’s inventory of existing cosmetic ingredients
– Required for NMPA submissions
– Chinese nomenclature + INCI cross-reference
– Ingredient approval status for China market
– New ingredient registration requirements

Access IECIC Database

Note: Interface in Chinese language. Use browser translation or specialized China regulatory consultants for interpretation. Essential for all China market entries.

Japan Standards of Quasi-drug Ingredients

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)

Official Japan

Japanese regulatory framework distinguishes between cosmetics and quasi-drugs (medicated cosmetics), each with distinct ingredient approval requirements. Access standards through JETOC (Japan External Trade Organization) or pharmaceutical regulatory databases.

Regulatory Information:

Approved ingredients for cosmetics vs. quasi-drugs
Japanese nomenclature and ingredient naming
Functional categorization requirements
Concentration limits for active ingredients
Prohibited substance lists

MHLW English Portal

Access Method: Detailed ingredient standards typically require JETOC membership or consultation with Japan regulatory specialists. Contact specialized consultancies for comprehensive access.

FDA Cosmetics Guidance

US Food and Drug Administration

Official USA

Important: Unlike EU, the United States does NOT maintain a positive list of approved cosmetic ingredients. FDA regulates through prohibited and restricted substance lists, color additive approvals, and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) determinations. Manufacturers bear responsibility for safety substantiation.

Available Resources:

– Prohibited & restricted ingredient lists
– Color additives database (approved colorants)
– Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substances
– Cosmetics vs. drug classification guidance
– Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP)

Access FDA Cosmetics Resources

Regulatory Approach: US operates on “negative list” model (list what’s prohibited) vs. EU “positive list” model (list what’s approved). Requires different compliance verification approach.

Industry Reference Databases

Professional databases maintained by industry associations and scientific organizations. Valuable for nomenclature verification, ingredient research, and translator education.

PCPC INCI Database

Personal Care Products Council

Free + Membership

International nomenclature authority for cosmetic ingredients. PCPC (formerly CTFA) maintains the INCI naming system used globally for ingredient declarations. Provides official INCI names, functional categories, and nomenclature guidance.

Database Features:

– International INCI nomenclature dictionary
– Ingredient functions and categories
– Botanical and chemical INCI naming rules
– Trade name to INCI cross-references
– Historical nomenclature changes

Access INCI Resources

Access: Basic INCI resources free; comprehensive database requires PCPC membership. Valuable for localization teams managing multiple markets.

INCIDecoder

Independent Ingredient Reference

Free

Consumer-friendly cosmetic ingredient database providing accessible explanations of INCI names, functions, and safety profiles. Excellent educational resource for translators and localization teams learning ingredient categories and cosmetic science fundamentals.

Resource Features:

– Consumer-friendly ingredient database
– INCI names with plain-language explanations
– Function, safety ratings, natural sources
– Product ingredient list decoder
– Good for translator education (not regulatory reference)

Access INCIDecoder

Best Use: Educational resource for understanding ingredient functions and cosmetic science concepts. NOT a regulatory reference—use CosIng or official databases for compliance verification.

PubChem

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Free

Comprehensive chemical information database maintained by NIH. Provides detailed chemical structures, properties, safety data, and scientific literature references. Essential for technical safety assessment translation and ingredient research requiring deep chemical understanding.

Database Contents:

– Chemical structures and properties
– CAS numbers and systematic nomenclature
– Toxicity and safety data
– Scientific literature references (PubMed integration)
– Excellent for technical/safety research

Access PubChem

Primary Use: Safety assessment translation, toxicological terminology verification, chemical property research. Links to peer-reviewed literature for evidence-based translation decisions.

SkinSAFE Database

Mayo Clinic / SkinSAFE

Free

Allergen and sensitivity database identifying ingredients associated with allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. Useful for safety assessment documentation, allergen disclosure requirements, and products marketed for sensitive skin.

Information Provided:

Ingredient allergen information
Product safety ratings for sensitive skin
Common allergen identification
Fragrance and preservative allergen data
Useful for safety assessments and sensitive skin claims

Access SkinSAFE

Application: Reference for allergen disclosure requirements, safety assessment allergen sections, and products with sensitive skin positioning. Not a substitute for clinical allergen testing.

Ready to Expand Your Dermocosmetics Business Globally?

Partner with Intertranslations for regulatory-compliant, multilingual localization solutions backed by industry expertise and academic rigor.

Contact Our Expert

ISO Certified Quality Standards

Our commitment to excellence is validated by international quality certifications.

ISO 17100:2015
Translation Services

ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management

ISO 27001:2013
Information Security