Creating a great formula is only half the battle. Once the product is ready, you also need to know how to label, present, and package it properly – especially if you’re going to sell it or give it away professionally.
In this part, we go over the basics of label design, INCI declarations, and packaging choices .
🧴 What must be on the label?
According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, the label (or packaging) must contain:
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Product name and function (if not clear)
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Net weight or volume (e.g. 50 ml or 30 g)
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Shelf life (PAO symbol or best before date)
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Manufacturer's name and address
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Batch number
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INCI ingredients in descending order
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Any warning phrases
It is also common to include symbols for recycling, vegan labeling or natural content – although these are not mandatory.
🧪 What is INCI and how do you write it?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients . It is an international system for how cosmetic ingredients should be printed on a label.
📌 Some basic rules:
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Always use Latin for plant-based substances (e.g. Butyrospermum Parkii Butter for shea butter).
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Use chemical name for synthetic substances (e.g. Tocopherol for vitamin E).
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Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity , except for those under 1% which can be listed in any order.
Example of a simple INCI list:
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Candelilla Cera, Mica, Tocopherol, Aroma
📦 Choose the right packaging for the right product
Different products require different types of packaging:
| Product | Recommended packaging |
|---|---|
| Lip balm | Pin or can |
| Serum | Glass bottle with pipette |
| Body butter | Plastic or aluminum can |
| Emulsions | Airless pump or tube |
| Oils | Dark glass bottle or plastic bottle |
💡 Also consider durability and protection – especially for light- or heat-sensitive ingredients.
🖋️ Design that strengthens your brand
It's important that the product looks professional – even if it's DIY.
Good tip:
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Use consistent colors and fonts
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Choose a label size that fits the packaging
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Keep the design clean, readable, and clear
If you are going to sell your products: make sure your labels meet the requirements of cosmetics legislation – even for small-scale sales.
Want to create your own labels? Programs like Canva , Maestro Label Designer , or apps like Labeler in Shopify are popular tools.
📖 Next week we continue with Part 27: DIY natural face wash – a simple and gentle recipe guide on how to make a natural facial cleanser.
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