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Label law
Cosmetic Labeling Guide
A cosmetic label has two working surfaces. The front — the principal display panel — is what a customer sees on the shelf. The information panel carries the legal detail. Getting an element on the wrong surface, or in type that is too small, is misbranding.
Principal Display Panel
The front of the container
Statement of identity
What the product actually is, in plain words: "Whipped Body Butter", "Moisturizing Shampoo". It must be prominent and easy to read at a glance.
Net quantity of contents
Placed in the bottom 30% of the panel, in both US customary and metric units. Weight for solids and semi-solids; fluid measure for liquids.
Information Panel
The back or side surface
Ingredient declaration
INCI names in descending order of weight down to 1%; ingredients under 1% may follow in any order. Colorants go last. Use at least 1/16 inch type.
Responsible person name and address
The name and full street address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor. If it is not the manufacturer, qualify it: "Distributed by" or "Manufactured for".
Adverse event contact
A domestic phone number, email or address consumers can use to report a reaction. Required under MoCRA.
Warnings and directions
Required whenever safe use depends on them: AHA sun-sensitivity notice, eye-area cautions, flammability, keep out of reach of children, patch-test guidance.
Batch or lot code
Not strictly mandated for every cosmetic, but essential for traceability, recalls and your own safety records.
Net quantity statement helper
The front panel needs both US customary and metric units, placed in the bottom 30% of the panel. Weight for solids, balms and butters; fluid measure for liquids.
Print this on the front panel
Net Wt. 4 oz (113 g)
Weight declaration — correct for butters, balms, bars, scrubs and creams.
Minimum type size
Based on the area of the principal display panel — not the whole container.
Minimum letter height for the net quantity statement: 1/8 inch (More than 5 up to 25 sq in)
- 5 sq in or less → 1/16 inch
- More than 5 up to 25 sq in → 1/8 inch
- More than 25 up to 100 sq in → 3/16 inch
- More than 100 up to 400 sq in → 1/4 inch
- More than 400 sq in → 1/2 inch
The ingredient declaration must be at least 1/16 inch high, and no smaller than 1/32 inch on packages under 12 square inches of total surface.
Warnings you may be required to carry
AHA or BHA products
Sun sensitivity warning plus a direction to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure for a week after use.
Aerosols and pressurized packs
Flammability and inhalation warnings, and keep away from heat.
Eye-area cosmetics
Directions for safe use and a caution against use if the eye is irritated or infected.
Products in a spray or powder form
Avoid inhalation; keep out of reach of children.
Essential-oil rich products
Patch test guidance and a photosensitivity note for citrus oils.
Unpreserved or anhydrous products
Keep water out of the jar, use clean dry hands, and state the period after opening.
Educational reference, not legal advice. Confirm current FDA requirements, and EU 1223/2009 or Health Canada rules if you sell outside the United States.