How to Read a Raw Material Specification Sheet
You’ve found the right ingredient, or so you think. But before you place that order, there’s one more critical step: reading the spec sheet.
Raw material specification sheets (sometimes called product specs, technical data sheets (TDS)) tell you what you’re actually getting in that drum, bag, or bottle. If you’re formulating for performance, safety, or regulatory compliance, reading this document isn’t optional.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to look for.
1. Identify the Trade and INCI Names
At the top of most spec sheets, you’ll see:
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Trade name (supplier’s brand name)
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INCI name (international standard name)
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Sometimes a CAS number or EC number
Use this to verify what you’re ordering and ensure it aligns with what your formula or marketing requires.
2. Check the Ingredient Composition
Look for:
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Active concentration (e.g., 70% sodium lauroyl lactylate in water)
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Dilution medium (e.g., propylene glycol, water, ethanol)
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Additives (e.g., stabilizers, preservatives, chelators)
This is critical when calculating actual use levels or understanding how the material interacts in your formula.
3. Review Physical and Chemical Properties
Common specs include:
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Appearance (color, texture, phase)
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pH range
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Solubility (in water, oil, ethanol, etc.)
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Viscosity
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Specific gravity or density
These affect not only how you handle the material but how it behaves in your product.
4. Pay Attention to Stability and Storage
Check for:
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Shelf life
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Recommended storage conditions (e.g., <25°C, protect from light)
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Thermal stability (Can it withstand heating during emulsification?)
If your ingredient is sensitive to light, oxygen, or temperature you’ll need to formulate and store accordingly.
5. Evaluate Safety and Regulatory Info
Some specs include:
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Toxicology summaries
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Allergen declarations
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GMO status
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Country-specific regulatory compliance (e.g., EU Annex VI, REACH)
If not included, you may need to request separate documentation or consult the SDS for hazard classifications.
6. Batch-to-Batch Tolerance
Specs often include acceptable ranges for properties like:
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Color
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pH
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Odor
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Viscosity
These tolerances help with quality control. If something falls outside the range, it may still technically be the same ingredient but could affect performance.
Final Tip: Compare Specs Across Suppliers
Two ingredients with the same INCI name can have different properties, depending on supplier, purity, or processing. Always read the specs, even for materials you think you know.
