The database unites information that was previously held in different places and should help companies get the full picture on ingredients without searching through multiple documents, according to the Commission.
It replaces the pdf format list which according to the commission was one of the most consulted documents on the DG Enterprise website.
Information about regulation
The database CosIng (cosmetics ingredients) contains basic information on more than 15 000 ingredients and notes on their regulation in Europe from the adoption of the Cosmetics Directive in 1976.
In order for searchers to distinguish between current and old legislation information it is marked as 'active' and 'not active' respectively.
The site also directs visitors to relevant opinions from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) regarding the safety of the ingredients.
In addition, CosIng contains reference data regarding the directive (current as well as past legislation), the annexes, the functions of cosmetic ingredients, and common abbreviations used.
Not a list of authorised substances Christina Farr who presented the database at the Colipa General Assembly in Switzerland last week emphasised that CosIng is not a positive list of authorised substances that can be used in cosmetics products, rather it is an indicative list based on the ingredients included in the Cosmetics Directive.
In addition, she warned that there have been problems associated with some incorrect INCI names, particularly of the fragrance substances.
She advised users to double check the database for names of related substances if the original search was fruitless.
The CosIng database is one of many steps taken by the commission to improve the safety of consumer products including cosmetics.
This week also saw the announcement of the launch of the European Chemicals Agency's REACH database, which will be open for pre-registration from 1 June.
In total the registration of an estimated 30 000 chemicals across many industries is expected.
Regarding the cosmetics industry, the legislation requires any ingredient imported or manufactured in quantities of more than one tonne per year to be registered.