Today we would like to introduce you to CosIng, an indispensable tool for technical managers and regulatory affairs departments in the cosmetics sector. CosIng is a database that the European Commission was established in 1995 with the aim of making it easier to access information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. Its online version was launched on 20 May 2008 and has been updated regularly ever since. However, it contains information dating back well before its creation, as it compiles all data relating to cosmetic ingredients since the adoption of the the 1976 Cosmetics Directive. Although CosIng is updated very frequently, we may occasionally come across an entry that is currently being amended or is due for updating. In such cases, it is important to remember that: if there is any doubt regarding the validity of an ingredient’s entry in CosIng, we should refer to the original source, namely the Regulation 1223/2009 or the regulations applicable to the specific substance, which is, ultimately, the prevailing source.
Which ingredients are listed in the CosIng database?
CosIng contains data on all the substances listed in the main European regulations: the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Productsthe Directive 76/768/EEC on cosmetics, as amended, and the List of Cosmetic Ingredients. It also includes the latest opinions on cosmetic ingredients from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety -SCCS, as it is known by its English acronym. And that is very important, as it enables us to keep up to date, particularly when dealing with ingredients that are highly controversial amongst expert committees. We also believe it is important to remember that, although this is a database of cosmetic ingredients, other substances are also included. In other words, just because an ingredient appears in CosIng does not automatically mean it can be used in the manufacture of cosmetics. CosIng lists permitted ingredients, prohibited ingredients, and even ingredients that may be used in medicines.
cosmetics database commission european commission
What fields does the database contain?
For each of its ingredient data sheets, Cosing provides fields containing basic information about the substance – some, or all, depending on the complexity of the substance, of the data appearing in this list:
- Name
- INCI Name
- CAS (Chemical Abstract Service, US substance number)
- EC (European Community Number, the substance’s number in the EU)
- Common names and glossary of ingredients
- INN/ISO/AN (related standards)
- Regulation (legislation or regulations relating to the ingredient)
- Other guidelines and regulations
- Reference Annex
- Function
- Product type / part of the body where it is applied
- Maximum concentration for use in preparations
- Terms of use and precautions
- Cosmetic restrictions
- SCCS Reviews
- Chemical name / IUPAC
- Identified ingredients or substances