Government Explores Standardising Cosmetics Ingredients Lists for Products Retailing in India

The Government of India is considering the introduction of mandatory international nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients (INCI) on makeup product labels to enhance consumer trust and transparency.

“The uniform labelling system of using INCI names will provide transparency to consumers by using a single labelling name,” stated a senior official, according to the ET Bureau. This requirement would apply to both domestically manufactured products and international imports, creating a unified labelling system.

The goal is to simplify the identification of ingredients in cosmetics products, ensuring consumers can confidently decide whether to purchase them. This initiative is particularly relevant as the Indian cosmetics industry experiences rapid growth and an increase in imports of foreign makeup and beauty products.

The INCI system is globally used and recognized for identifying cosmetic ingredients. The International Nomenclature Committee develops these names, which are then published by the Personal Care Product Council in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook. Beauty brands can reference these names when creating product labels.

According to the Economic Times, standardizing ingredients will also enhance safety within the industry. The proposal will soon be deliberated by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation’s drugs consultative committee.