PCPC INCI Name Application
PCPC INCI Name Application
As a Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) member company, SciQra provides end-to-end scientific and regulatory consulting support for companies seeking International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) name assignments for their ingredients.
We partner with ingredient manufacturers, raw material suppliers, biotechnology companies, specialty chemical manufacturers, R&D organizations, and innovators, supporting the process from initial INCI applicability and nomenclature strategy through technical data assessment, application development and submission, response to technical queries, and post-assignment support. Our approach combines scientific rigor with practical regulatory insight to develop robust, well- supported INCI applications aligned with PCPC requirements.
Our Support Includes:
INCI Applicability Assessment & Nomenclature Strategy
- Assessment of existing INCI nomenclature and determination of whether a new INCI Name Application is required
- Evaluation of ingredient identity, composition, source/feedstock, manufacturing process, and product grade as relevant to the nomenclature pathway
- Review of potentially applicable existing INCI names and ingredient categories
- Development/review of the proposed INCI name rationale and supporting scientific justification
- Consideration of nomenclature implications for different grades, feedstocks, compositions, and trade-name variants
Technical Information Assessment & Application Support
- Assessment of available technical information and identification of application-related data or documentation gaps
- Review and/or preparation of supporting technical information, as applicable, including:
- Ingredient identity and description
- Composition and constituent information
- Source/feedstock information
- Manufacturing process summary
- Chemical identifiers, including available CAS information
- Intended cosmetic functions and product-category information
- Trade name(s) and related product information
- Other relevant supporting technical information
- Alignment of technical information with INCI application requirements
- Support with preparation and submission through the PCPC INCI Application Portal
Application Management & Technical Query Response Support
- Support with application updates or amendments during the review process, where permitted
- Review of technical questions or requests received during INCI review
- Preparation of scientifically supported responses, clarifications, and supplemental information
- Support in addressing additional documentation requests
- Review of the assigned INCI name and associated information following completion of the review process
Post-Assignment & INCI Database Support
- Support for INCI name change requests, where scientifically justified
- Support with trade-name additions or changes
- Support with requests concerning CAS information, ingredient functions, and product categories in the INCI database
- Scientific assessment of nomenclature implications associated with changes in composition, grade, feedstock, or manufacturing information
- Guidance regarding changed or retired INCI names, where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
A new INCI Name Application may be required when a cosmetic ingredient does not have an appropriate existing INCI name.
The information required depends on the ingredient category and characteristics. Typically, applications may require information related to: Ingredient identity and description Composition Source and origin Manufacturing process Specification or purity information Intended cosmetic function Other relevant technical information, as applicable
No. Assignment of an INCI name provides a standardized identity for an ingredient but does not represent approval, safety evaluation, or regulatory acceptance of the ingredient for cosmetic use. The manufacturer remains responsible for evaluating ingredient safety, regulatory compliance, and suitability for intended use.
In general, each unique cosmetic ingredient requires a separate INCI Name Application and associated application fee. The information requirements and review considerations may vary depending on the ingredient category, composition, source, and manufacturing process.
Yes. Companies may submit an INCI Name Change Request when there is a justified technical rationale requiring reassessment of the assigned INCI name. The request should include relevant technical information and supporting justification for review through the INCI process. INCI Name Change Requests are reviewed by the International Nomenclature Committee (INC), and the final decision regarding any modification to the assigned INCI name is determined through the review process.