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6 mistakes
A food jar label subject to food-contact compliance rules

Mistakes to avoid · Nº 07

Food & cosmetic label compliance mistakes

The costly label-compliance mistakes are avoidable: using common ingredient names instead of INCI, making a claim that turns a cosmetic into a “drug”, omitting the net quantity or business address, and artwork so busy or low-contrast the required text can’t be read. Under FDA and FPLA rules, an incomplete, misleading or unreadable label can make a product misbranded — illegal to sell.

  1. 01

    Common names instead of INCI

    WhyCosmetics must list ingredients in INCI names; writing “Vitamin E” or “Shea Butter” instead of Tocopherol / Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a frequent error.

    FixList ingredients in INCI names, in descending order of weight.

  2. 02

    A drug claim on a cosmetic

    Why“Moisturizes dry skin” is a cosmetic claim, but “treats eczema” makes the product a drug — subject to far stricter rules.

    FixKeep claims cosmetic, or accept OTC-drug labelling (a Drug Facts panel).

  3. 03

    Missing required information

    WhyOmitting the product identity, net quantity, or the manufacturer/distributor name and address makes the product misbranded.

    FixInclude the identity, net contents and business details on every label.

  4. 04

    Type too small or unreadable

    WhyBelow the minimum type height (~1.6 mm) or with poor contrast, the label can be non-compliant even when the words are present.

    FixMeet the minimum type size and keep strong contrast; do not bury text in busy artwork.

  5. 05

    “Manufactured for” not stated

    WhyIf the name on the label is not the actual manufacturer, it must carry a qualifier such as “Manufactured for” or “Distributed by” — often overlooked by private-label sellers.

    FixAdd the qualifying phrase before the business name.

  6. 06

    Assuming the supplier handles compliance

    WhyCompliance is the seller’s or importer’s responsibility, not the printer’s. The factory prints the spec you give it.

    FixConfirm your market’s rules, specify them, and keep the compliance documents on file.

Common questions

What is the most common cosmetic label mistake?

Using common ingredient names instead of INCI names — for example “Vitamin E” instead of Tocopherol. Ingredients must be listed in INCI names in descending order of weight.

When does a cosmetic claim become a “drug” claim?

When it says the product treats or cures a condition. “Moisturizes” is a cosmetic claim; “treats eczema” is a drug claim, which triggers much stricter FDA rules.

Related

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Kevin— co-founder, materials & manufacturing, Guangzhou. Every claim traces to the factory-floor knowledge base.About Euphora →