The entry into force of the new glossary of common names for cosmetic ingredients, introduced by Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175, represents a key milestone for all brands and suppliers operating in the EU market. By 30 July 2026, labels and technical documentation must reflect the new official list of INCI names, with a direct impact on the accurate description of formulations, compliance, and traceability across the supply chain.
Regulatory context
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Article 33, requires cosmetic ingredients to be listed on labels using the common names established by the European Union, namely INCI.
Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175 formally repeals the previous Decision (EU) 2022/677 and introduces the following key updates:
- Correction of errors and omissions in previous names
- Removal of obsolete ingredients, particularly among fragrance compounds
- Replacement of reference names with valid INCI denominations
- Mandatory use of CI (Colour Index) nomenclature for colorants not intended for hair us.
In summary, the new INCI glossary:
– defines an updated official list of common names for cosmetic ingredients
requires all new formulations and updated labels to use INCI names compliant with the glossary by 30 July 2026.
Impact for companies
The key takeaway is that, from 30 July 2026, all new formulations, relaunches, and reformulations must use INCI names aligned with the updated glossary.
The impact is cross-functional, but particularly relevant for:
– Brands managing the revision of labels, technical data sheets, and marketing materials related to composition, potentially requiring updates to claims referencing specific ingredient names.
– Contract manufacturers and R&D laboratories required to standardize nomenclature across suppliers, avoiding inconsistencies where the same ingredient appears under different names across production plans, analytical specifications, and safety documentation.
Key risks include:
– non-compliant labels after 30 July 2026;
– discrepancies between INCI names reported in CPNP dossiers and those printed on labels, with potential challenges during market surveillance.
The update is not merely “formal”: the more structured format improves traceability and alignment with international databases (INCI – International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), simplifying operations for companies managing both EU and extra-EU markets.
INCI Glossary: key takeaways
– The new glossary is established by Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175 and introduces an official, updated list of INCI names.
– The operational deadline is 30 July 2026: from that date, all new product launches and updated labels must comply with the glossary.
– The focus is on consistency, transparency, and traceability: the same substance must be identified with the same name across all cosmetic-related documentation.
Proper preparation today enables companies to turn a regulatory deadline into an opportunity to streamline their portfolio and improve documentation quality.
To be ready by 30 July 2026, the transition should be approached systematically—not just as a label correction exercise, but as a broader documentation update project. If your portfolio relies on multiple INCI naming sources, international suppliers, or internal lists not yet aligned with the official glossary, managing the transition can become complex.
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