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TDS, SDS, CoA: which documents should you require for a cosmetic raw material?

The technical data sheet (TDS/specifications), the safety data sheet (SDS) and the certificate of analysis (CoA) are the three essential documents for any cosmetic raw material; Cosmetic Innov Access systematically provides them for every batch delivered, whatever the supplier (Seppic, Lessonia, Green Line Ingredients).
October 12, 2026 by
TDS, SDS, CoA: which documents should you require for a cosmetic raw material?
COSMETIC INNOV ACCESS

The three mandatory documents

For a cosmetic raw material, three documents are never optional:

  • The technical data sheet (TDS) / specifications : describes the reference physicochemical characteristics of the material (appearance, pH, INCI composition, naturalness index if applicable) — the framework to which each batch must conform.
  • The safety data sheet (SDS) : provides information on the safety properties of the raw material — handling, storage, potential risks — necessary for the safety assessment of the finished product by a qualified evaluator.
  • The certificate of analysis (CoA) : confirms the physicochemical and microbiological compliance of a specific delivered batch. Unlike the technical data sheet, this is not a generic document valid for the entire reference: it is specific to the batch.

The additional information of the raw material file

Beyond these three mandatory documents, a complete raw material file generally includes additional statements: REACH compliance, absence of substances prohibited under regulation (EC) 1223/2009, allergen status (annex III), heavy metal content, absence of GMOs, kosher/halal/vegan statuses, or naturalness index according to ISO 16128 standard. These elements are often grouped by the manufacturer in a single summary document.

Two additional points of vigilance:

  • The IFRA and allergen certificate is mandatory as soon as a material contains fragrance substances or essential oils.
  • The batch number and shelf life (expiration date) of the raw material ensure the traceability of your production.

At Cosmetic Innov Access

Each batch delivered by CIA is accompanied by its technical data sheet, its SDS, and its CoA, with double traceability between the original manufacturer's batch (Seppic, Lessonia, Green Line Ingredients) and the batch created during repackaging at CIA.

Key takeaways

To preselect a raw material, systematically check that the technical data sheet, SDS, and CoA are provided for each delivered batch. However, the final validation of the material can only be done based on the complete file, including the additional information.


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Technical insights
What is COSMOS certification and why does it matter for your cosmetic brand?
COSMOS is the European standard that guarantees the natural and organic origin of cosmetic ingredients, and part of the raw materials distributed by Cosmetic Innov Access is certified to this standard. For a brand or a formulator, the question often comes up when choosing raw materials: what does COSMOS certification really guarantee, and how far does that guarantee extend once the ingredient has been repackaged? COSMOS sets precise thresholds for natural and organic content, and it is on this standard that the COSMOS-certified raw materials distributed by Cosmetic Innov Access are based.