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USA INCI listings for botanicals….
As I have mentioned many times…I try to help out on another site. Sometimes they confuse me.
So, look at the last paragraph…starting with… EXCEPT in the US…. I have tried to reference this on the FDA site…but had trouble navigating it. I think the author inserted the word “ENGLISH” which is NOT on the FDA wording on the site.
So according to them… Jojoba…should be listed as Jojoba…and not ‘Simmondsia Chinensis’. I am wondering….what is the definition of ‘Common Name’? Is common name…the latin name (that seems logical to me)? Or is the common name….the name from off the street… Jojoba. According to the author they worship…. you just use off the street names…and not Latin/INCI type names?
Links and clarifications please….keeping it to USA based.
Thanks
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12 Replies
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Based on their understanding….this is a viable INCI…. Common names.
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So, I guess it boils down to …. If the FDA is addressing the scientific community…than common name would mean…the latin name, as that is what that community would commonly use.
If the FDA is addressing the ‘lets make cosmetics in our kitchen’ crowd…then common name would mean….street language.
What do they mean, with ‘common name’?
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I’m not from the US but we exported some products there a few years ago that we had to adjust labelling for.This might be useful.That label would not be correct because it doesn’t specify if it is an oil or an extract etc.e.g. Jojoba should probably be listed as Jojoba Oil or Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil.Is Rosemary the essential oil or the oleoresin or an extract. -
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/cosmetic-ingredient-names
International “Harmonization” of Ingredient Names
Cosmetic companies sometimes ask FDA about identifying botanicals only by their Latin names, identifying color additives only by the “CI” numbers used in the European Union, or using terms from other languages, such as “Aqua” and “Parfum” instead of “Water” and “Fragrance.” Under the FPLA, however, ingredients must be listed by their “common or usual names,” and FDA does not accept these alternatives as substitutes. But FDA does not object to their use in parentheses following the common or usual name in English (or Spanish, in Puerto Rico). Here are some examples:
- Water (Aqua)
- Fragrance (Parfum)
- Honey (Mel)
- Sweet Almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) Oil
- FD&C Yellow No. 5 (CI 19140)
According to the link, it seems that it’s fine to just use Jojoba Oil / Jojoba Seed Oil, as per the “common name”. Using “Jojoba” alone is not specific enough, i’d say.
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I guess I am still confused… as a plant breeder… the “common or usual names” of plants…are all in Latin (to me).
Depending on the audience the FDA is addressing….”common or usual names” might very well be Latin?
So…I grabbed a INCI off of Amazon…some Paula’s Choice something….Look at the blue….that is how I would label something….If this is NOT required…why are they doing it???
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I think it’s because the FDA don’t mind the use of such INCI formats as long as the common name is there, and also Paula’s Choice is catering to the EU standards since they are also selling here in Singapore where we follow the EU regulations. It’s easier to have the label catering to all the standards.
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ozgirl said:This might be useful.That label would not be correct because it doesn’t specify if it is an oil or an extract etc.e.g. Jojoba should probably be listed as Jojoba Oil or Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil.Is Rosemary the essential oil or the oleoresin or an extract.
Hehe….that label….so many issues…poor example.
I did view all links you both sent, prior…. I just could not get an explanation of ‘common name’. With my background….common name…is always the Latin name. But my background is not cosmetics.
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LOL! … and the US is one of only 3 counties globally that use the English system of weights. Common names … SMH
The best way is to identify is the International Convention: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
You can use the common name: Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, etc. … but, honestly it looks amateurish like homebrewed stuff sold at farmer’s markets.
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Personally as a consumer (and home formulator) I dont know one person besides me who understands what the the INCI name is or the Latin name or whatever and the ingredients labels writing is so small I doubt anyone but a formulator would bother reading them. It’s great to know as a formulator what ingredients are in products so you can try ‘dupe’ them though. I cant imagine how painful it would when you change your formula or add/remove an ingredient and have to redo all your labels - it must be a pain for Small Business - I think Most consumers understand and would prefer the “Common” names on their products so at least they would understand what is in their products like Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter etc and would take up far less room on a label and you might actually be able to read it without getting out the magnifying glass - Just my opinion as a consumer as I said and I know it wont happen or be legal under current laws. If I make products for friends I give them a brochure with the list of ingredients that they can understand - But I dont sell products as a business. Waiting for everyone to ‘bag’ me now ha ha (BTW ‘Bag me’ is Aussie slang Look it up
)- Enjoy your weekend folks. -
MarkBroussard said:@GraillotionThe best way is to identify is the International Convention: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
We did as Mark said and never had problem anywhere, US included.
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The advantage of the INCI is that is provides a common language globally when referring to ingredients. Same with the metric system for weights. As a consumer you don’t need to know the latin name … just pay attention to the Jojoba part.
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Common name (Street name) helps the consumer, but I would never not also include the INCI in parentheses. Without the INCI it is misguiding. Take extracts for example, they could be in all kinds of solvents that would not be visible to the consumer. The manufacturer can hide less desirable ingredients, or preservatives…or whatnot behind the common name.
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