Cosmetic ingredients

The INCI name is the most useful identifier in this market. One INCI name, for example Cetearyl Alcohol or Glyceryl Stearate, can cover products from many manufacturers that differ in purity, chain distribution, physical form and origin. Search by INCI name, CAS number or function, then compare suppliers on the grade details.

Cosmetic buyers usually need more documents than industrial buyers. Expect to ask for a technical data sheet, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet, the INCI name, the regulatory status in your markets (for example the annexes of the EU Cosmetics Regulation that restrict preservatives, colorants and UV filters), allergen and impurity statements, and microbiological limits. Natural and organic brands also ask about origin, RSPO certification for palm-derived ingredients, COSMOS approval, vegan status and whether the ingredient was tested on animals. Brands selling in several regions should check each market, since approvals and maximum concentrations differ between the EU, the US, China, India and others.