Technical guide
Plain-language definitions of the formulation, testing, clinical and regulatory terms Guires CSL scientists use. Each term has its own page with the standard or regulation behind it and where we put it into practice.
The standard ingredient names used on cosmetic labels in the EU, US, ASEAN and many other markets, assigned by the INCI committee of the Personal Care Products Council.
Read moreThe ISO guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients (Part 1, 2016) and the way to calculate natural and organic origin indexes for ingredients and products (Part 2, 2017).
Read moreA measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14.
Read moreA dispersion of oil and water held together by emulsifiers, either oil-in-water (most lotions and creams) or water-in-oil (richer, water-resistant textures).
Read moreHow a product flows and deforms: viscosity, yield stress and shear thinning.
Read moreThe three ways a moisturiser works.
Read moreA surface-active ingredient that lets oil and water mix, so it can cleanse, foam or emulsify.
Read moreAlpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble exfoliants that loosen dead surface cells; the beta hydroxy acid salicylic acid is oil-soluble and works inside pores.
Read moreVitamin A derivatives used in cosmetics, including retinol, retinal and retinyl esters.
Read moreShort chains of amino acids used as cosmetic actives, such as signal peptides that target the look of fine lines.
Read moreStorage of a product at controlled temperatures, humidity and light to check that it keeps its look, smell, texture, pH and active content over its shelf life.
Read moreA test in which a product is deliberately contaminated with set microorganisms to check that its preservative system reduces them fast enough.
Read moreLaboratory tests on cells, tissues or chemistry instead of animals, often called new approach methodologies.
Read moreA supervised patch test on volunteers with repeated applications over about three weeks, a rest period and a final challenge, used to check that a product does not cause irritation or sensitisation under exaggerated use..
Read moreThe rate at which water evaporates through the stratum corneum, measured with instruments such as a Tewameter.
Read moreAn instrument that measures skin surface hydration by electrical capacitance, used to substantiate moisturising claims such as 24-hour hydration..
Read moreA measure of protection against the UVB rays that cause sunburn.
Read moreProtection against the longer UV rays linked to skin ageing.
Read moreThe technical file required under Article 11 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, held by the Responsible Person for ten years after the last batch is placed on the market.
Read moreThe EU online portal where every cosmetic must be notified before it is placed on the market, under Article 13 of Regulation 1223/2009..
Read moreThe legal or natural person, established in the EU (or in Great Britain for the UK), who is responsible for making sure each cosmetic complies with the regulation, holds the PIF and notifies the product..
Read moreThe ratio between a toxicological point of departure, such as a NOAEL, and the systemic exposure from using the product.
Read moreNo Observed Adverse Effect Level: the highest dose in a study at which no adverse effect was seen.
Read moreSubstances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.
Read moreThe US Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, which added facility registration, product listing, safety substantiation and adverse event reporting duties for cosmetics sold in the US..
Read moreRegulations and standards are listed first, then peer-reviewed literature. Sources checked October 2026.
Start a project
Our formulation chemists, testing scientists and regulatory specialists work alongside your team, from the first brief to a market-ready product. Bring a brief, a benchmark or just an idea: a scientist will reply within one working day with next steps and an indicative scope.