Cosmetics cGMP Glossary

Batch

A quantity of any cosmetic product produced in a given cycle of manufacture that is uniform in character and quality.

Batch Number

A designation in numbers and/or letters or combination of both that identifies the complete history of the batch, quality control and distribution.

Bulk Product

Any processed product which will have to undergo the packaging operation in order to become a finished product.

Calibration

Combination of checking an instrument and adjusting it to bring it within its limits for accuracy according to recognized standards.

Date of Manufacture

Date of manufacturing of a batch of product.

Documentation

All written procedures, instructions and records involved in the manufacture and quality control of products.

Product

Any substance or preparation intended to be used, or capable or purported or claimed to be capable of being used, in or for cleansing, improving, altering or beautifying the complexion, skin, hair or teeth.

Finished Product

A product which has undergone all stages of manufacturing operations.

In-Process Control

Checks and tests instituted and carried out in the course of the manufacture of a product including checks and tests done on environment and equipment in order to ensure that the end product will comply with its specification.

Intermediate Product

Any processed substance or mixture of substances which has to undergo one or more stages of processing to become a bulk product.

Manufacture or Manufacturing

The complete set of activities to produce a product, comprising of production and quality control, from acquisition of all raw materials through processing and subsequent packaging and release for distribution of the finished product.

Packaging

The part of production cycle applied to a bulk product to obtain the finished product.

Packaging Material

Any material used in the packaging of a bulk product to obtain the finished product.

Processing

The part of production cycle starting from weighing of raw materials to obtaining a bulk product.

Production

All operations starting from processing to packaging to obtain a finished product.

Quality Control

All measures taken during manufacturing which are designed to ensure the uniform output of product that will conform to established specifications.

Quarantine

The status of materials or products set apart physically or by system, while awaiting a decision for their rejection or release for processing, packaging or distribution.

Raw Materials

Any ingredient to be used in the formulation of a cosmetic product.

Rejected

The status of materials or products which are not permitted to be used for processing, packaging or distribution.

Released

The status of materials or products which are allowed to be used for processing, packaging or distribution.

Returned Product

Finished products sent back to the manufacturer.

Sanitation

Hygienic control on manufacturing premises, personnel, equipment and material handling.

Specification of Materials

A description of a starting material or finished product in terms of its chemical, physical and biological characteristics, if applicable.

A specification normally includes descriptive and numerical clauses stating standards and tolerated deviations.

Starting Materials

Raw materials and packaging materials used in the production of products.