Separate the markets first
The United Kingdom and the European Union are not one notification route. Great Britain uses a UK Responsible Person and the UK Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications service. The EU uses an EU Responsible Person and CPNP. Northern Ireland can involve EU-aligned requirements, so check the route before assuming a GB-only label covers all UK sales.
For a small maker, this means the same jar may need different Responsible Person details, notification evidence and market language checks depending on where it is sold. Build your label data by market before ordering printed packaging.
- GB: UK Responsible Person and SCPN.
- EU: EU Responsible Person and CPNP.
- Northern Ireland: check the current applicable route.
Put the Responsible Person on the label
The Responsible Person is the legal or natural person responsible for key cosmetic compliance duties in the market. Their name and address appear on the label. This is not always the same as your studio address, especially if you use an appointed Responsible Person for EU access.
Do not use a vague brand name with no address unless that format is accepted for your market and the full Responsible Person can be identified. Retailers, marketplaces and authorities may ask for the Responsible Person details, PIF location and notification proof.
Include the visible label basics
A handmade skincare label normally needs product identity or function, nominal content, Responsible Person details, batch code, durability information, precautions, and an ingredients list. If the function is obvious from presentation, less wording may be needed, but indie products often benefit from being clear.
Nominal content should use suitable units such as g or ml. Batch codes should match your production records. Warnings should be specific to the product, such as external use only, avoid eye contact, or not suitable for children where the safety assessment calls for it.
- Product name and function.
- Net weight or volume.
- Batch code.
- PAO or best-before information.
- Warnings and directions.
Write the INCI ingredients list
Ingredients should be listed using the required cosmetic ingredient names, normally INCI names, in descending order by weight at the time of addition. Ingredients below 1% may generally be ordered after those above 1%. The list should be headed by Ingredients.
For scented products, Parfum or Aroma may appear, plus fragrance allergens when declaration thresholds are exceeded. Because EU fragrance allergen labelling has expanded beyond the older familiar set, use current supplier documents and market-specific advice rather than an old spreadsheet.
Solve small packaging early
Small tins, tubes and jars create the most label problems. If the container cannot hold everything legibly, you may need outer packaging, a peel-back label, a leaflet, a tag or another compliant method. The answer depends on the product, market and which information cannot fit.
Do not shrink text until it is unreadable. A beautiful 10 ml pot that cannot carry a batch number, INCI route or warnings may cost more in relabelling than a slightly larger container would have cost at the start.
Keep label and compliance file aligned
The label should match the cosmetic safety report, product information file, notification, formula and supplier documents. If you change fragrance, preservative, colourant, packaging size or Responsible Person, check whether the label and notification need updating.
A good maker workflow is to approve the formula first, complete safety assessment, confirm notification and Responsible Person details, then release artwork. Keep a dated PDF of each final label with the batch record so you know exactly what was sold.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell handmade skincare in the UK without SCPN?
For Great Britain, the Responsible Person must submit the product through the UK notification service before the cosmetic is made available there.
Can one Responsible Person cover the UK and EU?
Only if the arrangement is valid for each market. EU products need an EU-established Responsible Person, while GB products need a UK-established Responsible Person.
Do I need a batch code on handmade skincare?
Yes. The batch code links the product to production records, ingredients and any recall or quality investigation.
Can warnings go only on my website?
Do not rely on the website for required label warnings. Required precautions need to be available with the product in the required label format.
Do craft fair testers need labels?
Testers and samples still need safe presentation and traceability. Check the specific market rules for samples and small or single-use packs.