Ingredient Compliance Guide

Last reviewed: August 2026. Ingredients are reviewed against market-specific prohibited, restricted and permitted lists, concentration limits and conditions of use. This is a practical planning guide, not legal advice.

Why this matters before launch

Decisions in this area affect formula, claims, labeling, technical documentation and the selected country route. Review them before commercial artwork or production is locked.

Key concepts

Restricted ingredients

Use may be limited by concentration, product type, warnings or conditions of use.

Positive lists

Some markets control permitted preservatives, colorants or UV filters through specific lists.

Formula change

A supplier, concentration or composition change can alter the compliance position.

How to manage the work

1. Select Market
2. Screen Formula
3. Check Limits
4. Prepare Evidence
5. Review Label
6. Approve Release

What the factory needs and does

The factory supplies the controlled technical evidence required for review.

• Final qualitative and quantitative formula.
• INCI/CAS identity, specifications and supplier information.
• Change-control records and safety support.

What the brand needs and does

The brand owns market position, final claims and market-facing approvals.

• Select target markets before formula lock.
• Approve only market-reviewed ingredient and product claims.
• Maintain a change-review process with the factory.

Core file checklist

• Formula and concentration data
• Ingredient specifications and supplier documents
• Restricted/positive-list review
• Safety and label-impact assessment

Related market guides

• European Union
• United States
• China

Official resources

• EU Cosmetics Regulation
• FDA Cosmetics
• NMPA Cosmetics