Making Cosmetics

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

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Frequently asked

Glossary

1

INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)

The standardized naming system used to list cosmetic ingredients on product labels in the EU and many other markets. Formulators, regulatory staff and brand owners at Making Cosmetics use INCI names when reviewing raw-material documentation, safety assessments and label copy.

2

Contract manufacturer (CMO) / toll manufacturer

A third-party producer that formulates and fills products under a brand owner's label. Contract manufacturing is a core visitor interest at Making Cosmetics, which connects finished-goods brands with Italian and wider European production partners.

3

ODM (original design manufacturer)

A supplier that develops the formula and packaging concept as well as producing it, letting a brand launch a product with limited in-house R&D. Often contrasted with a pure CMO on the show floor.

4

Emulsion

A stable blend of oil and water phases held together by emulsifiers, and the physical basis of creams, lotions and many serums. Emulsion stability and sensorial feel are recurring formulation talking points at the event.

5

Surfactant

A surface-active agent used to cleanse, foam or emulsify. Surfactant chemistry is central to the shampoos, cleansers, shower gels and micellar products discussed by ingredient suppliers in Milan.

6

Active ingredient

A functional substance such as a vitamin, retinoid, hydroxy acid or peptide added at a defined concentration to deliver a claimed skin benefit. Actives are among the most heavily promoted ingredient families at the show.

7

Preservation and challenge test

The preservative system keeps a formula free of microbial growth over its shelf life. A challenge test (ISO 11930) verifies that the system works, and is a standard compliance question raised with suppliers.

8

EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

The framework governing cosmetic products sold in the EU, covering safety assessment, ingredient restrictions, labelling and the role of the Responsible Person. A central compliance topic for brands and manufacturers exhibiting in Italy.

9

CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal)

The EU portal where the Responsible Person notifies a cosmetic product before it is placed on the EU market. Notification is a practical step for brands using the show to launch into Europe.

10

Clean beauty / natural and organic certification

A market positioning built on restricted ingredient lists and third-party certification schemes such as COSMOS or NATRUE. Frequently raised by ingredient and packaging suppliers targeting natural-focused brands.

11

Skin microbiome

The community of microorganisms living on the skin. Microbiome-friendly positioning and prebiotic, probiotic or postbiotic ingredients have become a major formulation trend presented at cosmetics ingredient fairs.

12

Efficacy testing / claim substantiation

In-vitro, ex-vivo or in-vivo studies that support advertising claims such as a measured reduction in wrinkles or increase in hydration. Testing houses use events like Making Cosmetics to reach brand R&D teams.

13

Encapsulation

A delivery technology that traps an active ingredient in a protective shell for controlled release, better stability or targeted action. Encapsulation systems are a recurring ingredient-innovation theme on the show floor.

14

Sustainable packaging

Refillable, mono-material or recycled-content packaging formats developed in response to EU packaging rules and consumer expectations. Packaging suppliers often exhibit alongside ingredient houses at cosmetics events.

15

Halal cosmetics

Products formulated and manufactured according to Islamic requirements, an export-relevant category for suppliers targeting the Middle East and Southeast Asia and a segment visible among ingredient and contract-manufacturing exhibitors.