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PCPC/ INCI Registration

Having an International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) name for each ingredient is absolutely mandatory for every personal care product, allowing customers to identify the product’s content before making the purchase. 

However, it can happen that you are using an ingredient that is so unique, rare or sourced in remote places that it does not have an International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients name yet.

In that case, to be able to use it in a product in Europe or the UK, it will need to be registered via the Personal Care Products Council. By going through the application process with PCPC, an ingredient will receive a unique INCI name systematically generated and internationally identified. This ensures that all products meet the high standards set by INCI cosmetics regulations.

You may choose to apply to the Personal Care Products Council on your own or we can help you through the whole process.

Either way, to align with INCI cosmetics regulations, please find below information so you can make the best decision for your needs.

How to Apply to an INCI Registration Via PCPC?

To comply with INCI cosmetics regulations, read the information outlined below.
Find below the complete instructions on an INCI application.
You may find this information on the PCPC website and brochures.

Important information for international nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients application

  • Only one ingredient (or commercial product) per application can be submitted for an International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient name assignment

  • All required fields on the application must be filled in

  • Additional information can be submitted as an attachment

    • Maximum file size per attachment is 25 MB

    • Recommended file formats include .pdf, .xlsx, .doc or .docx, .jpg, .gif, .zip

  • Applications can be saved in progress; however, after an application is submitted, changes cannot be made other than to upload attachments when requested by the Personal Care Products Council

  • A non-refundable payment by credit card of €1000 per application is made upon submission

Which information should I prepare to start the INCI application to PCPC?

Which category do your ingredients belong to?
  • Biotechnology/Animal Cell Culture (including defined media) 
  • Biotechnology/Fermentation Processes 
  • Biotechnology/Peptides (recombinant; solid and liquid phase) 
  • Biotechnology/Plant Cell Culture (including defined media) 
  • Biotechnology/Biologicals, Botanicals, Misc. 
  • General Chemistry/Inorganic 
  • General Chemistry/Organic 
  • Polymers/Silicones
  • Trade name/commercial name of your ingredient
  • Recommended INCI name for your ingredient – Requested names should be based on the guiding principles outline in the INCI Conventions. Please mention if you have already applied to PCPC before for another ingredient
  • Chemical structure
  • Empirical formula (where applicable)
  • CAS number (if available)
  • EC number (if available)
  • Chemical synonym
  • General composition statement (if blended mixture, include breakdown of component, % in final raw material, COA/TDS required for purchased components)
  • Manufacturing method
  • Diluents : list the name and relative % of any solvents or diluents present in the final preparation
  • Botanicals : provide the genus, species, and plant part for each botanical material in the product, and manufacturing process information
  • Animal-Derived Ingredients : include the identity of the animal and its genus/species, part of animal material is derived from, and step-by-step details for the manufacturing method
  • Minerals and Inorganics : Mineral composition information must be provided, along with manufacturing details
  • Polymers : The manufacturing details must list all starting monomers, all cross-linking agents, and a reaction scheme that describes step-wise process.
  • Ferments : Complete step-by-step details of the fermentation method should be provided in addition to a description of any downstream processing.
  • Peptides : Applications for all peptides must include the total number of amino acids, the sequence in single letter code, purity information, and complete manufacturing information.

When should the application be submitted?

The International Nomenclature Committee (INC) meets approximately 5 times per year, generally during the months of February, April, June, September, and November. Applications included on the meeting agenda are compiled in chronological order and distributed to the INC for review 8 weeks prior to the scheduled meeting date.

After the PCPC meeting, monographs for the new ingredients are drafted and finalized. This process takes approximately 1 month. Once the monographs are completed, applicants are notified of the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients name assignment via email from the Application website.

INCI Application Process

Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us If You Need Help to Go Through the Application Process.

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