Labelling
Cosmetic Label Requirements in Canada
What goes on a Canadian cosmetic label — bilingual content, INCI ingredient list ordering, net quantity, business identity, warnings, and how to plan your label before printing.
Last reviewed April 27, 2026
Canadian cosmetic labels carry product identity, business details, net quantity, ingredient list, and any required warnings, with bilingual English and French content where applicable. Getting the label right early avoids reprints and keeps your product launch on track.
This guide explains the core label elements, how INCI ordering works, and how to plan bilingual content before you send packaging to a printer.
What a Canadian cosmetic label is expected to include
Canadian cosmetic labels are governed by the Cosmetic Regulations and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act. At a high level, the principal display panel and any secondary panels need to identify the product, the responsible business, the net quantity, and the ingredients, with key information available in both English and French.
- Product identity (what the product is)
- Net quantity in metric units on the principal display panel
- Business name and address of the manufacturer or importer
- Ingredient list using INCI names
- Any required warnings or directions for safe use
- Bilingual (English and French) content where required
Ingredient list and INCI ordering
The cosmetic ingredient list is shown using International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names. Ingredients present at greater than one percent are typically listed in descending order of concentration, and ingredients at one percent or less can be listed in any order after them. Colour additives may be grouped at the end.
INCI naming is strict. "Coconut oil" on the marketing panel becomes "Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil" on the ingredient list. Mixing common names and INCI names is one of the most common label errors.
Bilingual labelling
Required label information generally needs to appear in both English and French. Translation work is easier when you start from clean source content. Decide which fields need French equivalents (product identity, directions, warnings, claims) before you send anything to a designer or printer.
Warnings, claims, and fragrance allergens
Some cosmetic ingredients require specific warnings on label or packaging based on Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist conditions. Marketing claims need to be honest, supportable, and should avoid drug-like wording for products notified as cosmetics.
Fragrance allergen disclosure rules have evolved. Plan ahead so your label can break out individual fragrance allergens when present above the disclosure threshold, rather than reprinting packaging later.
How FormulaNorth helps with label drafting
FormulaNorth's formula builder lets you draft an ingredient list directly from your formula, surface fragrance allergen reminders, and prepare bilingual content in one place. Label drafts can then be reviewed alongside your CNF preparation work so the package and the notification stay aligned. FormulaNorth supports your label work — it does not replace professional regulatory or French-language review.
Regulatory disclaimer
FormulaNorth helps organize cosmetic formulation, label, costing, and CNF preparation information. It is not legal or regulatory advice and does not replace Health Canada guidance, professional regulatory review, or the maker's responsibility to verify product compliance before sale.
Frequently asked questions
Do Canadian cosmetic labels have to be bilingual?
Required information on a Canadian cosmetic label generally needs to appear in both English and French. Some provinces, notably Quebec, have additional French-language requirements. Always confirm against current Health Canada and provincial guidance.
How are ingredients listed on a cosmetic label in Canada?
Ingredients are listed using INCI names, in descending order of concentration for ingredients above one percent. Ingredients at one percent or less can appear in any order after the higher-concentration ingredients. Colour additives are commonly grouped at the end.
Does a small handmade soap or body butter still need a full label?
Yes. Cosmetic label requirements apply regardless of business size. Hand-poured soaps, body butters, lotions, and similar products sold to the public are expected to carry the standard cosmetic label content.
Can FormulaNorth print my labels for me?
No. FormulaNorth helps you draft and organize bilingual label content from your formula, but printing and final design review is handled by you or your label printer.
How does the Hotlist affect my label?
Some ingredients on the Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist carry conditions of use, including specific warning statements that need to appear on the label. Reviewing your formula against the hotlist before designing the label avoids reprints.
Related on FormulaNorth
Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) Canada
What to gather for your Health Canada cosmetic notification.
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Restricted and prohibited ingredients with conditions of use that affect your label.
Ingredient database
INCI names, function, and supplier availability for label prep.
Existing CNF guide
Walkthrough of the cosmetic notification workflow.
Look up INCI names for your ingredients before drafting your label
Browse ingredients with INCI names