IKW

TikTok Undisguised

Anyone dealing with young people today cannot avoid one topic: TikTok. No other social platform currently casts such a spell over young people. With ‘TikTok undisguised’, IKW is focusing on social…

IKW

Youth Undisguised 2024

What makes young people tick and remains fascinating. In order not to have to rely on speculation, IKW has now once again presented a comprehensive youth study entitled ‘Jugend ungeschminkt 2024’…

IKW

IKW and DGK cooperate on training for safety assessors with International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety and Cosmetics Europe

IKW and DGK cooperate on training for safety assessors with International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety and Cosmetics Europe – Two new training modules to be released in autumn 2024

IKW

Cosmetics and Sustainability – What Germans Think

Unlike a few years ago, the topic of sustainability is now everywhere. Whether in business, society or the environment, people are increasingly concerned with sustainability. Many are already trying…

IKW

Biodiversity in the cosmetics industry

Biodiversity on our planet is decreasing. This affects not only the biodiversity of plants, animals and other life forms, but also the diversity of habitats. This has a dramatic impact on all of us,…

IKW

Biodiversity is becoming increasingly important for companies

Natural raw materials play an important role for cosmetic products, because many plant-based and other biological raw materials are used in cosmetics.

IKW

Survey: Sustainable action has high priority in the cosmetics industry

The results of the IKW member survey on the topic of sustainability show that responsible and sustainable business practices are firmly anchored in the cosmetics industry. In addition to climate and…

IKW

Guidance on “Nature-orientated Cosmetics”

Cosmetic products contribute towards the wellbeing of consumers, and everyday life can no longer be imagined without them. During the past years, consumers have increasingly turned to natural…

IKW

Filling stations for cosmetics in retail – What manufacturers and retailers must take into account

In the case of systems for filling cosmetic products in retail trade, the legal requirements of the EC Cosmetic Products Regulation and the respective national regulations in Germany and Austria must…

IKW

What do manufacturers do against germs in cosmetics?

Cosmetic products must be safe for the consumer according to the legal requirements. This also includes microbiological safety. The products are therefore manufactured with the greatest possible care…

IKW

Finally well styled again!

The results of a current IKW survey show which service Germans would like to use first after the hairdressers reopened.

IKW

Advanced training courses for Safety Assessors – now also online

Regardless of when or where you would like to educate yourself: from now on, the course offer for safety assessors of the German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics (DGK) and the German…

IKW

Can the corona virus be transmitted through cosmetics?

Consumers are currently wondering how they can protect themselves and their families from infection with the coronavirus. Among other things, there is uncertainty about how the viruses can be…

IKW

Packaging made of plastics

We cannot imagine our daily life without detergents and cleaning agents, hair shampoos, toothpaste and other cosmetic products. In order to safely package these products, plastics are frequently…

IKW

20 years of continuing education for safety assessors

The German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics (DGK) and the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) have celebrated the 20th anniversary with a scientific…

IKW

Review on the DGK IKW Training in January 2017

Exposure to cosmetic products and percutaneous penetration were the major subjects of the two day training for safety assessors on 30 and 31 January 2017 in Frankfurt am Main. The training is one of…

IKW

Home Care - Introduction

LEGAL REGULATIONS
For detergents and maintenance products, the following legal regulations are especially important:
- Detergents Regulation (EC) No. 648/2004
- Chemicals…

IKW

Statement of IKW Department Home Care on the degradation of phosphonates

From the perspective of IKW, there is no risk to humans or the environment from the formation of trace amounts of glyphosate in wastewater treatment plants. The phosphonate DTPMP, used as an…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of Household Laundry Detergents / Part A: Cleaning Performance I – Stain Removal (2025)

In 2022, the IKW working group "EQ Detergents" was tasked by the IKW Detergents Committee to develop revised recommendations for the quality assessment of household laundry detergents. This revision…

IKW

Youth undisguised – Good looks against a loss of control

The German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) presents results of youth study “Youth undisguised” – The self-perception and self-esteem of adolescents and young adults,…

IKW

Beauty Care - Introduction

Cosmetic products are EU-wide regulated in the EC Cosmetics Regulation. This law contains a lot of requirements for cosmetic products sold in the European Union. Safety assessment of cosmetic…

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Hand Dishwashing Detergents (2024)

In 1998, an IKW working group was first commissioned to develop a “Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Hand Dishwashing Detergents”. In 2018, the IKW established…

IKW

General information for manufacturers and distributors of cosmetic products in Germany – Overview of the requirements of European cosmetics legislation with links to more detailed information

Please download this document as a pdf file.

IKW

Investigation of the influence of the size of a dosing aid on the dosed amount of detergents

On behalf of IKW, the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences in Krefeld conducted a study entitled "Investigation of the influence of the size of a dosing aid on the dosed amount of detergents"...

IKW

Mineral oils in cosmetic products are safe

For more than 100 years mineral oils (also called paraffins) have been applied in cosmetic products as safe and important raw materials. They are used with different consistencies in cosmetics, for…

IKW

Cosmetics and a hormone-like effect

Sunscreens, deodorants, shampoos & Co. are safe in terms of health. The cosmetic products distributed in Germany are safe and well tolerated. Consumers can apply sunscreens, deodorants or…

IKW

How safe are cosmetic products?

Media reports time and again insinuate that cosmetic products apparently include substances which are “harmful to health”: carcinogenic substances, substances which can influence the hormone system,…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of Acidic Toilet Cleaners (1999)

Acidic Toilet cleaners are liquids, powder products or granules for the cleaning of toilet bowls, urinals and bidets.

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of Paint Care Products for Motor Vehicles: Paint cleaners (2018), Paint conditioners (2022), Paint polishes (2023)

Paint care products for motor vehicles are applied on larger, painted body components and can be classified in respect of their polishing, paint conditioning and cleaning properties. Paint cleaners…

IKW

IKW statistics prove: cosmetics are very well tolerated

A sample calculation for 2011 illustrates the high safety of the products: for one million packages sold in the field of body care products, the member companies of IKW have notified on average only…

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of Compatibility of Shoe Uppers with Care Products (2022)

Finishing agents based on aqueous formulations are increasingly used in leather and shoe production, often with a view to creating optical effects. This means that the colours of shoe uppers and…

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of Glass Cleaning Agents / Glass Cleaners (2022)

Glass cleaning agents/glass cleaners are specially developed for cleaning glass surfaces and smooth and washable surfaces in private households on which there is mainly light soiling.

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of the Product Performance of Degreasing Power Cleaners (2017)

Degreasing Power Cleaners are preparations consisting of various surfactant mixtures, water soluble sovents and complexing agents.They also contain additives such as perfumes and colourants as well…

IKW

Baby powder does not belong in children’s hands!

Time and again accidents occur during which babies or infants play on the diaper changing table with the powder compact and inadvertently spill powder on their face. If they inhale the powder, this…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Dishwasher Detergents

The "Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Dishwasher Detergents

IKW

Joint Press Release of PFI and IKW: Compatibility of Shoe Uppers with Care Products (2014)

In 2013 the manufacturers of shoe care products registered a significantly higher number of consumer complaints after the use of shoe care products compared to previous years. This concerned shoes…

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of the Product Performance of All-Purpose Cleaners (2014)

The update of the IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of the Product Performance of All-Purpose Cleaners (first issued in 2004) was finalised in 2014.  IKW member companies make…

IKW

Allergy case at the hairdresser’s – what is to be done?

Cosmetic products are safe; nonetheless there can be an occurrence of an undesirable effect in your salon in rare cases, e.g. a skin irritation or an allergic reaction for one of your customers.…

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Safety Assessment of Detergents, Cleaning and Maintenance Products (2008)

The Recommendation for the Safety Assessment of Detergents, Cleaning and Maintenance

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of Winter Windscreen Cleaners (2005)

Windscreen cleaners are products that are added - possibly diluted with water as prescribed - to windscreen washer systems of motor vehicles. They serve to clean the front windscreen and the rear…

IKW

Important guidance for hairdressers on hair dyeing

Together with the Central Association of the German Hairdressers IKW has published the information flyer “Important guidance for hairdressers on hair dyeing”. Here hairdressers are provided with…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of the cleaning performance of Glass Ceramic Cooking Fields (2004)

Glass ceramic cooking fields are commonly found in modern households. For high-quality surfaces, frequently special cleaning products are required. Cleaning Performance and material friendliness are…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of the Product Performance of Oven Cleaners (2004)

Oven cleaners are alkaline products to remove persistent types of soiling and incrustations in ovens.

IKW

IKW Recommendations "Cement-based joints in bathrooms" (2004)

Many different demands are made on ceramic coverings in bathrooms. They must not only be sealed and laid in accordance with the generally recognised codes of practice so that the subsurface is…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality assessment of Leather Care Products (2002)

These Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of Leather Care Products are for oil products, pasty and liquid - consisting of natural, partly synthetic or synthetic waxes and solvents, in…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of Bathroom Cleaners (2002)

Bathroom cleaners for households are liquid products for the cleaning of surfaces made of ceramic materials, porcelain, glass, enamel, plastics or metal.

IKW

IKW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Hand Dishwashing Detergents (2002)

Recommendation elaborated in an IKW Working Group by Colgate-Palmolive GmbH, Dalli Werke Wäsche- und Körperpflege GmbH & Co. KG, fit GmbH, Henkel KGaA, Luhns GmbH, Reckitt Benckiser plc., Werner &…

IKW

Cosmetic nail modelling

Cosmetic products for nail modelling (nail design) which contain hydroquinone, hydroquinone methyl ether or benzoyl peroxide, must be provided with warnings on the package according to cosmetics…

IKW

IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of Floor Shine Emulsions (2000)

Floor shine emulsions are opaque to transparent, aqueous dispersions of polymers and/or waxes and resins, used in the maintenance of all types of floors - except for open pore Wood. After…

IKW

Cosmetics industry supports a global agreement to address plastics pollution

In many parts of the world, the burden of plastics waste on the environment has increased dramatically in recent decades.

IKW

Official surveillance of cosmetic products

An important contribution to the safety of cosmetic products is made by public food surveillance in the Federal States. Wherever cosmetic products are manufactured or sold, public inspectors carry…

IKW

Residual amounts in cosmetic packages

Time and again there are questions concerning the full residual emptying of cosmetic packages. The diversity of cosmetic products also applies to their packages. This is on the one hand due to the…

IKW

Cosmetics GMP – Activities and documents

The Competence Partner Beauty Care within IKW informs about the most recent developments on Cosmetics GMP. Furthermore, it offers continuing education events on this topic. The German brochure…

IKW

Assessments of cosmetic ingredients by apps and online portals

Various internet portals and smartphone apps offer an “assessment” of cosmetic ingredients, e.g. based on barcodes of cosmetic products. These are primarily commercial offers. IKW considers that the…

IKW

IKW Fact Sheet: Safe use of boric acid and borates in liquid detergents

In liquid detergents boric acids and/or borates, the salts of boric acid, are used for the stabilisation of enzymes. Enzymes permit in modern detergents an effective stain removal already at low…

IKW

IKW/IHO Cleaning recommendation for Sanitary Fittings

Modern sanitary fittings are made of highly diverse materials. This Cleaning Recommendation

IKW

The beard is here to stay!

For young men, a beard is much more than just facial hair. Having a beard separates the men from the boys. So young men take more care of their prized and magnificent facial hair accordingly. The…

IKW

The lifecycle of a T-shirt – an eco assessment

The study „The lifecycle of a T-shirt – an eco assessment” by the Technical University Berlin describes the possible environmental impacts of the lifecycle of a white T-shirt’s – ranging from cotton…

IKW

Trainings and Seminars for Safety Assessors

Information on the forthcoming DGK/IKW events for safety assessors: Seminar for safety assessors on 27 September 2016 in Warsaw / Training "Microbiological Safety" on 25/26 October 2016 in Frankfurt…

IKW

Selfies undisguised – living for the likes

The German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) publishes the results of the new youth study “Selfies undisguised”, conducted by Lönneker & Imdahl rheingold…

IKW

IKW: The new power of cleaning – New appreciation of an often underestimated activity

Today, cleaning is far more than the tiresome necessity to get rid of dirt in one’s home. This is shown by an in-depth psychological-representative study published by the German Cosmetic, Toiletry,…

IKW

IKW Measures to Ensure Compliance with the Limit Value for Phosphorus in Automatic Dishwasher Detergents

As of 1 January 2017, the Amendment (EU) No. 259/2012 for Annex VIa of the Detergents Regulation (EU) No. 648/2004 goes into effect.

IKW

IKW: Voluntary Agreement on hypochlorite-containing household cleaners

In the year 1985 the then Federal Ministry of Youth, Family and Health and the IKW signed the voluntary agreement on hypochlorite-containing household cleaners. This agreement remains in force. The…

IKW

Safety Assessment of Cleaning and Maintenance Products, which contain Nanomaterials and/or Form Nano-Layers

This publication highlights essential elements of a safety assessment of cleaning and maintenance

IKW

Exampel Safety Assessment of an All-Purpose Cleaner

The Recommendation for the Safety Assessment of Detergents, Cleaning

IKW

Coumarin in cosmetic products

The Competence Partner Beauty Care within IKW assesses the cosmetics with the fragrance coumarin available on the German cosmetics market as safe. The demand made by the Federal Institute for Risk…

IKW

IKW Database: Group Data Sheets for cosmetic products

Cosmetic products are exempted from the obligations to label under chemicals law and to transmit safety data sheets. Cosmetic products are products which correspond to the definition referred to in…

IKW

Instructions for use of self-tanning products

As a rule self-tanning products do not contain any UV protection. For a large number of products a corresponding mention is made on the package (e.g. “Does not contain any UV protection”, “Does not…

IKW

Labelling of pump sprays in the field of hair care and deodorants

In accordance with Article 8 para 1 d) in conjunction with No. 2.2 b) of the Annex to the Aerosol Dispenser Directive, pressurised containers which contain flammable components must regularly be…

IKW

“Nano” in cleaning and maintenance products intended for private consumers

Nanotechnology (Greek “nanos” = dwarf) is a collective term for a broad selection of technologies which focus on research, processing, production and application of materials and structures which…

IKW

The role of fragrances in detergents, maintenance and cleaning products

Fragrances and odorous substances play a major part for household detergents, maintenance and cleaning products. FORUM WASCHEN has discussed important aspects concerning the safety for humans and…

IKW

Contact allergies and irritations – do detergents and cleaning products play a role?

Can fragrances in fabric conditioners, in detergents or cleaning products be responsible for a skin irritation? What is the opinion of experts of the German Allergy and Asthma Society (DAAB) or…

IKW

REACh – the chemicals legislation of the European Union

The abbreviation REACh stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances. The “REACh Regulation” was published in the Official Journal of the European Union…

IKW

European Union: New regulations on detergents and cleaning products

The European Parliament and the Member States of the European Union (EU) have reached an agreement on an amendment to the legislation on detergents and cleaning products, the so-called European…

IKW

Sustainability initiative of the European detergent and cleaning products industry

Sustainability is a topic which has been covered by the European detergent, maintenance and cleaning product industry for many years. Numerous initiatives reflect how the industry translates the…

IKW

Fact sheets on palm kernel and coconut oil as raw materials

Manufacturers of detergents, maintenance and cleaning products frequently use plant oils as raw materials in production. The use of natural palm kernel oil and coconut oil is particularly popular.…

IKW

Action Day – Sustainable Washing (up)

Since 10 May 2004 the annual Action Day Sustainable Washing (up) takes place with numerous campaigns throughout Germany. By way of preparation for the Action Day 2015, a disseminator…

IKW

IKW Sustainability Report

The Competence Partner Home Care within IKW documents initiatives and trends on sustainability in connection with home care products. The most recent “Report on sustainability in the detergent,…

IKW

Globally Harmonised System (GHS)

The ad-hoc Working Group “GHS” of IKW has published an article in the SÖFW Journal 10 2007 on the question “What will change for cleaning products as a result of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS)…