Cosmetic

INCI Name Application: A Guide for Cosmetic and Ingredient Companies

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When Should You Apply for an INCI Name?

Cosmetic or ingredient companies often consider applying for a dedicated INCI name when developing an innovative raw material. The motivation usually comes from three needs:

  1. Market positioning – A unique INCI name helps distinguish the ingredient from generic materials, supporting clearer branding and competitive differentiation.

  2. Consistent global labelling – With a fixed INCI, companies can ensure the same naming across markets, reducing future relabelling risks and regulatory confusion.

  3. Commercial communication – An established INCI makes it easier for downstream cosmetic brands to incorporate the material, improving product claims, documentation, and marketing alignment.

How to Apply for an INCI Name?

The application process is managed by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). Applicants should prepare relevant documentation according to the ingredient type and submit the application via PCPC’s web platform. The review process typically takes 3–6 months.

The International Nomenclature Committee (INC) meets approximately five times per year—February, April, June, September, and November. Applications should be submitted 6–8 weeks before a scheduled meeting. INCI name assignments and corresponding monographs are usually issued within one month after the meeting.

Each cosmetic ingredient is assigned one unique INCI name. If an applicant disagrees with the assigned name, a Change Request may be submitted along with supporting data for review at the next INC meeting.


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Required Documentation for INCI Naming

PCPC currently categorizes ingredient submissions into eight groups. The documentation requirements vary by type, but generally include:

  • Basic information (trade name, molecular formula, CAS number, structure, Latin name, etc.)

  • Proposed INCI name

  • Composition and purity information

  • Intended use

  • Manufacturing process and source details

Ingredient categories include:

  1. Biotechnology / Animal cell culture(including defined media) (e.g., Sheep Adipose Stromal Cell Conditioned Media)

  2. Biotechnology / Biologicals, Botanicals (e.g., Lactobacillus, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract)

  3. Biotechnology / Ferments (e.g., Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate)

  4. Biotechnology / Peptides (e.g., Dipeptide-4, recombinant polypeptides)

  5. Biotechnology / Plant cell culture(including defined media) (e.g., Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate)

  6. Basic chemicals / Inorganic (e.g., Sodium Chloride)

  7. Basic chemicals / Organic (e.g., Glycerin, Linoleic Acid)

  8. Polymers / Polymers and Silicones (e.g., Polypropylene, Methicone)

Can INCI Names Be Changed After Application?

Yes. Applicants may submit a Change Request if they believe a modification is needed. The request is reviewed at the next INC meeting. There are no additional application fees, but the assigned new name may differ from both the original and the proposed alternative. Once the INC makes a final decision, the change request cannot be withdrawn.

INCI Name Application Fees

The application fee for an INCI name was announced to increase to USD 1,000 per submission, effective January 1, 2024.

FAQ

Q1. How long does it take to obtain an INCI name?

The review process generally takes 3–6 months, depending on the INC meeting schedule and the completeness of your submission.


Q2: Can an INCI name be revised or appealed if there is a disagreement?

Yes, if an applicant disagrees with the assigned INCI name, they can submit additional documentation and explanations for reconsideration during subsequent INC meetings.


Q3: Can I use a trade name instead of an INCI name on product labels?

No. INCI names are mandatory for ingredient disclosure on cosmetic labels in most markets.


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