Introduction to Cosmetic Labeling
Makeup and skin care ingredients should be listed in English and not Latin to protect people with allergies, say activists. Cosmetics companies show ingredients in Latin or use scientific names. But MP Becky Gittins, who has a severe nut allergy, said that this was a problem, since "less than 5% of our young people are Latin".
The Problem with Latin Labels
A mother whose daughter had an allergic reaction to body washing said that cosmetics should be marked in the same way as food. Amy Loring, make-up influencer, said the labeling system was "frustrating", but for some could be "life-threatening". The Cosmetics, toilet and perfume association (CTPA) said that Latin names have delivered a universal language all over the world.
How Ingredients are Listed
Cosmetics companies list ingredients according to the International nomenclature cosmetic ingredients (Inci), a system that contains thousands of different Latin names. For example, sweet almond oil is prunus amygdalus dulcis, peanut oil is arachis-hypogaea and wheat germ extract is triticum vulgar. Some cosmetic brands also list their ingredients in English, but this is not a prerequisite.
Real-Life Consequences
Eve Huang’s daughter Elysia, 9, is allergic to cow’s milk, coconut, eggs, asparagus, mustard and tree nuts. Elysias allergies are triggered not only by food, but also by particles in air and skin contact. "The Latin is endangered with allergy affected and it is so frustrating," said Ms. Huang from Hornchurch in Essex. "Why are allergens not listed fat? Why are there no warning signs?"
The Need for Clear Labeling
Gittins, the Labor MP for Clwyd East, who stands behind the campaign for changes, has a severe nut allergy. If you used products with nuts, this could trigger anaphylaxis. Gittins recently said on a trip to a spa that she had to desperate Latin terms desperately "Google" "for allergens". "Even on a day that should be relaxing, I still reduced the risk. It is incredibly difficult," she said.
The Frustration of Living with Allergies
Amy Loring, a Masque artist from Cardiff who uses her Instagram page to give thousands about skin care and cosmetics advice, said the labeling system must be "very clear". "I have hypersensitive skin and it is very uncomfortable when you break out and have eczema over your face. There are a few days when I can’t put anything on my skin because it reacts so badly," said the 31-year-old.
The Latin Names of Cosmetic Ingredients
Cosmetic ingredients must be clearly listed in the regulations. If there is no external packaging, the label is on the container. If the product is very small, the ingredients can be listed on a leaflet list. Some examples of Latin names for common ingredients include:
- Almond (Bitter): Prunus Amygdalus Amar
- Avocado: Purssee
- Apricot: Prunus Armeniaca
- Banana: banana
- Brazil-Nut: Bertholletia Excelsa
The Industry’s Response
The CTPA has defended the use of ingredients in content ingredients. Caroline Rainsford, the director of science at CTPA, said the system offered a universal language worldwide. "For botanical or natural extracts, we refer to the Linnaean system, the international system for scientific naming plants and animals, and many of these names will be based on Latin," she said.
Conclusion
While the Inci system ensures consistency worldwide, critics say that many consumers remain in the dark. The industry has developed tools with which consumers can navigate terminology, such as the Cosmile app. A British government spokesman said: "Our regulations require that all cosmetics contain a complete list of ingredients that are clearly marked on the product label or packaging with generally recognized names."
