INCI: International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients

Eric Abrutryn

Course description

In 1973 The Cosmetic, Toiletry, Fragrance Association (CTFA) developed an industry voluntary process for assigning ingredient names that provides the consumer and medical field a common approach to understanding what is formulated in a personal care product. This process was accepted by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the global regulatory community, eventually becoming known as the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary & Handbook (INCI).

This intensive accredited course will provide a clear understanding of the current process to assign monographed nomenclature for ingredients used in consumer personal care products, along with how this is harmonized between the United States and the rest of the global community. The session will provide a snapshot of what INCI is, how it works, and how one should utilize it to meet government regulations and in communication to the consumer.

This course now offers a more comprehensive understanding of the global impact of ingredient back labeling, updated web registration requirements with w‐INC, and new conventions, along with examples on how‐to use in the development of formulations.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the International Nomenclature Chemical Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (INCI); how it works, how to submit for an ingredient monographed assigned name
• List the information available within the electronic handbook, what it means, and INCI nomenclature conventions and reference information
• Identify how to use the monograph and w‐INCI database to search out linkage between assigned monograph names and tradenames (and mixtures) associated with those names, reported functionality, chemical classifications, back label ingredient listing requirements