Cosmetic ingredients

Cosmetic ingredients are chemical compounds that come in many forms and serve a variety of different purposes. However, unlike the ingredients listed on food products, cosmetic ingredients are often overlooked. Although they are not intended for consumption, it’s still important to understand what you’re putting on your skin or hair. Depending on the chemical, these ingredients may have positive or negative effects either externally and internally, through absorption into the bloodstream. Cosmetic ingredients can be grouped into three categories:

• Synthetic Ingredients: Synthetic cosmetic ingredients are artificial chemicals that are produced in a lab using a combination of naturally occurring chemicals. Synthetic ingredients are either produced for a unique purpose or to mimic a natural chemical. These ingredients are generally mass-produced, cheaper than natural alternatives, and have a longer shelf-life. 

• Natural Ingredients: Natural cosmetic ingredients are chemicals derived from nature. These usually include plant-based and mineral-based chemicals. The term “natural ingredients” is very vague, meaning they may or may not be processed with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, etc. 
• Organic Ingredients: Organic cosmetic ingredients are also derived from nature, however, “organic” differs from “natural” in that the farming and processing is strictly regulated. No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals can be used in the farming or processing of organic ingredients. Cosmetics can have two types of organic labeling: “made with organic ingredients” (minimum of 70% organic ingredients) and “certified organic” (minimum of 95% organic ingredients). 

Within these three categories, the vast majority of the chemicals are classified according to their characteristics. Some examples of these classifications include:

• Emollients
• Emulsifiers
• Preservatives
• Fragrances
• Color additives
• Thickeners 

To best understand what cosmetic ingredients are, their function, and any potential risks associated with them, it’s important to research both the individual ingredients and any available information about the manufacturer and their mission or best practices.

Checking cosmetic ingredients is an advisable thing to do. But knowing where to start, what you should look for, and where you can find the information that you need might be a bit of a challenge. 

The easiest place to start is the product label. Look for certifications like: organic, natural, vegan, or cruelty-free. Each of these types of certifications verify that the product has been manufactured in accordance with certain regulations. While active ingredients are the main components providing the product’s effects, both active and inactive ingredients can present potential health or environmental concerns.

Some ingredients, such as certain parabens (synthetic preservatives), have been the subject of safety debates, with some countries restricting their use. However, many parabens are still legally allowed and considered safe for use in cosmetics when present at low concentrations. It’s essential to research all ingredients listed on the label and consult reliable sources to determine their safety and potential effects. 

Alternatively, there are also convenient online “ingredient scanner” or “ingredient analyzer” tools and apps, such as SkinCarisma or SkinSAFE. These tools enable you to quickly research information about cosmetic ingredients or filter out products that contain potential allergens and skin irritants.

How Must Ingredients Be Listed on Cosmetic Labels?

Cosmetic ingredients must be listed on a product’s information panel according to their common name or INCI registered name. The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is an official cosmetic labeling system used in the United States, European Union, China, Japan, and several other countries. INCI registered names for botanicals are usually Latin names to help specify exact plant species. 

In the US, official FDA guidelines require cosmetic product labels to list ingredients in descending order of predominance. Cosmetic ingredients with the highest concentration will be listed first, followed by each ingredient with a lower concentration. Color additives and any other ingredients with a concentration of 1% or less do not have to be listed in descending order of predominance. Any ingredients that are also considered drug ingredients must be listed as cosmetic active ingredients. 

EU Commission guidelines for cosmetic labeling are similar to those outlined by the FDA. The ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight. Color additives and ingredients with a concentration of 1% or less do not have to be listed in descending order of weight. In both the US and the EU, flavorings and fragrances added to cosmetics should simply be listed as “fragrance” and “flavor”.

Both the US and EU have comprehensive frameworks that set requirements for safety, labeling, and ingredient use. However, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does not require cosmetic ingredients to be pre-approved by the FDA before entering the market – with the exception of color additives. On the contrary, the European Commission requires that cosmetic products sold within the EU are first notified on the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) before being placed on the market. CPNP is a central EU database. Certain ingredients such as color additives, preservatives, and sunscreen active ingredients, require pre-approval before entering the market. 

There are certain ingredients that are either restricted or prohibited in the US and the EU. In the US, the FDA has either banned or restricted the use of nine cosmetic ingredients. In the EU, a total of 1,378 chemicals are listed as banned substances on the European Cosmetics Directive Annex II list. However, approximately 80% of those substances have never been used in cosmetics.

List of Natural Ingredients Used in Cosmetics

List of Controversial Chemicals in Cosmetics

List of Animal Ingredients in Cosmetics

The health and wellness of our consumers and the environment is our foremost priority. We labor to continuously improve our cosmetic formulations with environmentally friendly ingredients sourced directly from nature that also promote skin and hair health. Furthermore, we have established our own list of banned ingredients and manufacturing processes:

• pH Neutral
• No Parabens​
• No Mineral Oils​
• No Microplastics​
• No Nanomaterials​
• No MIT & MCIT Preservatives​
• No Silicones​
• No Benzophenone UV-filters​
• No Formaldehyde Releasers
• No Animal Testing

As a leading provider of sustainable hotel amenities, we are committed to providing our customers with the best cosmetics in the industry. From individual ingredient resourcing to product packaging, we have put considerable thought and concern into every aspect of the production process. With ADA Cosmetics, you can rest assured that each of our products have been ethically manufactured without the use of harmful ingredients and in compliance with EU cosmetic regulations.