Cosmetic Ingredient Review

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) is a scientific body that assesses the safety of individual cosmetic ingredients. Established in 1976, CIR operates independently to review and evaluate the data on the safety of cosmetic ingredients in an unbiased, expert manner. This includes scrutinizing data from published scientific literature, safety data sheets, and industry submissions. The results of these reviews are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, providing transparent, credible safety information for consumers, regulators, and manufacturers.

The CIR Expert Panel, composed of dermatologists, toxicologists, chemists, and other scientists, meets regularly to discuss and review safety data on a wide range of ingredients. These meetings are open to the public, ensuring transparency in their processes. CIR does not review products, fragrances, colors, or flavorings, focusing solely on the safety of individual ingredients as they appear in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). This rigorous evaluation process helps to ensure that cosmetic ingredients used in products are safe for consumer use.

Who runs the CIR?

The CIR is funded by the Personal Care Products Council (industry trade association), but operates independently from the Council and cosmetics industry. It is overseen by a 7-member Steering Committee and run by scientific staff.[5]

How does the CIR evaluate ingredient safety?

The CIR has an Expert Panel of scientists and dermatologists that reviews data from industry and other sources on the safety of cosmetic ingredients. They set priorities, assess data, and determine if ingredients are safe for use in cosmetics under certain conditions.

What resources does the CIR website provide?

The cir-safety.org website provides information on ingredients currently under review by the Expert Panel, published findings on previously reviewed ingredients, expert panel meeting materials, the CIR procedures document, and background on the CIR staff and Expert Panel members.

How can I find out about a specific ingredient?

You can browse ingredients alphabetically by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name on the "Ingredients" page to find any related CIR review documents for that ingredient.