CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry) – Cosmetic Ingredient Identification
What Is the CAS Registry?
The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry is a comprehensive database that assigns unique numerical identifiers to chemical substances. These identifiers are known as CAS Registry Numbers (CAS RN, CASN, or CAS#).
A CAS Registry Number provides a standardized way of identifying a specific substance independently of the different names that may be used for it.
CAS Registry Numbers
A CAS Registry Number can contain up to 10 digits and is divided into three sections by hyphens.
The structure is:
Up to 7 digits – 2 digits – 1 check digit
The final digit is a check digit used to verify the validity of the complete number.
For example, a CAS Registry Number may appear in the format XXXXX-XX-X.
CAS Numbers in Cosmetic Formulation
CAS numbers are commonly used when identifying cosmetic raw materials and ingredients. They can be particularly useful when an ingredient has several chemical, commercial, or commonly used names.
In cosmetic formulation and documentation, CAS numbers may appear in:
- Raw material specifications
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Technical Data Sheets (TDS)
- Cosmetic ingredient databases
- Product Information Files (PIF)
- Regulatory documentation
- Ingredient and substance identification records
A CAS number should always be checked against the specific substance and its relevant chemical form, particularly when dealing with mixtures, salts, derivatives, or substances with different grades or compositions.
Searching the CAS Registry
The CAS Registry can be searched through different online resources. A CAS number can be used together with the substance name or other identifiers to help confirm the identity of a chemical ingredient.
For cosmetic formulation work, CAS identification is normally used together with other information, such as the INCI name, chemical name, EC/EINECS number, supplier information, and product specifications, rather than as the sole identifier.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/
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