What is the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients, and how do you check it

The Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (often called IECIC), published in its 2021 edition and updated by the NMPA as needed, is the official list of ingredients that have already been used in cosmetics in China. If an ingredient is on the current list, it is generally treated as an existing ingredient and is entered under the listed name, within any stated restrictions. If it is not on the list, it should be assessed as a new ingredient rather than forced into a nearby name.

Published 11 November 2026 · Updated 11 November 2026

How to check it

Use the version currently published by the NMPA and search by the standard Chinese name, INCI name or English name. Confirm restrictions, remarks and whether the substance in your specification is truly the same as the listed entry. Inventory inclusion does not cancel the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, which may still prohibit or limit a substance or require warning statements.

What if you cannot find it

Recheck aliases and the way a blend is split into components. If it is still absent, follow the new-ingredient path described in the related guides. Do not invent a working name for the system.

Cautions

The inventory is updated from time to time. A printout from an earlier year is not a substitute for the current official publication. Supplier marketing lists are not official sources.

Questions we are often asked

Is every INCI name automatically accepted in China?

No. China uses standard Chinese names and the current inventory. An INCI name helps the search, but the file should use the name required by Chinese rules.

Does inventory listing mean the ingredient is unlimited?

No. Technical standards may still set maximum levels, product-type limits or warning statements.