The Most Common Cosmetic Compliance Questions Makers Ask Me

Working in cosmetic compliance means I speak with makers every single day who are trying to navigate the rules around selling cosmetic products.

Most people start in the same place, they’ve created a product they love and are excited to begin selling it, but the compliance side can feel confusing at first.

Over time I’ve noticed that many of the same questions come up again and again.

So I thought I’d answer a few of the most common cosmetic compliance questions makers ask me.

Do I need a CPSR for every product?

Yes.

Every cosmetic product placed on the market must have a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) completed by a qualified safety assessor.

Even if two products are very similar, they still require their own assessment unless they are covered under the same assessed formulation.

Do I need to notify every product on the UK cosmetic portal?

Yes.

Before a cosmetic product can be sold in the UK, it must be notified on the UK cosmetic notification portal.

This notification includes information such as the product name, category, responsible person details, and ingredient information.

Can I write my ingredient label from the recipe?

Not usually.

Ingredient labels should always be created using the ingredient listing provided within the CPSR, as the assessor will ensure the ingredients are listed correctly and in the correct order.

Using a supplier description or recipe can sometimes lead to incorrect labelling.

What is a PIF?

A Product Information File (PIF) is the collection of documents that support the safety and compliance of your cosmetic product.

This file normally includes the CPSR, formulation information, supporting ingredient documentation and product label details.

Your PIF must be available if requested by authorities such as Trading Standards.

What happens if I change an ingredient or fragrance?

Any significant formulation change may require a new assessment or amendment.

Changes to fragrance oils, ingredient percentages or raw materials should always be checked with your assessor to ensure the product remains compliant.

Cosmetic compliance can feel complicated when you’re first starting out, but once you understand the key requirements it becomes much easier to manage.

Most makers ask these questions because they genuinely want to run their businesses correctly and safely, which is always the best place to start.

If you’re ever unsure about any part of cosmetic compliance, it’s always worth asking questions and making sure everything is set up properly.