Technical documentation for plant extracts: TDS, SDS and CoA at a glance
The procurement of plant extracts for cosmetic or food applications requires a sound database. Technical documentation forms the foundation for formulation development, regulatory compliance and quality assurance. This article explains the three central document types: Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
Technical Data Sheet: Product specifications for the formulation
The Technical Data Sheet - also known as the Product Data Sheet or Specification Sheet - contains all the information relevant to the formulation of a botanical extract. It documents the INCI declaration according to the international nomenclature, the Natural Origin Index according to ISO 16128 as well as information on COSMOS and NaTrue conformity.
The composition is specified with CAS numbers, EINECS numbers and concentration data. For liquid extracts based on glycerol, propylene glycol or pentylene glycol, there is a separate data sheet for each carrier. Powder extracts also contain information on the extract ratio, particle size and loss on drying.
The regulatory section includes the SVHC status according to the ECHA Candidate List, BSE/TSE conformity, GMO status and allergen information according to Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 - updated according to Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 on fragrance allergens.
Safety Data Sheet: Safety relevant information according to REACH
The safety data sheet complies with the requirements of REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 and follows the standardized 16-section format. It contains the classification according to CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, first aid measures, information on handling and storage as well as toxicological and ecotoxicological data.
Cosmetic raw materials from natural sources are often not classified as hazardous substances. The SDS documents this accordingly and provides information on personal protective equipment, storage conditions according to TRGS 510 and transport regulations according to ADR, IMDG and IATA.
In contrast to the product-specific TDS, an SDS can cover several product variants, provided they are identical in terms of safety - for example, all carrier variants of an extract.
Certificate of Analysis: Batch-specific quality documentation
The certificate of analysis documents the actual test results of the delivered batch. It contains the batch number, the production and best-before date as well as the results of the organoleptic, chemical-physical and microbiological tests.
Typical parameters include pH value, relative density, refractive index and microbiological testing for total plate count (TAMC), yeasts and molds (TYMC) and the absence of pathogenic germs. The release note confirms conformity with the specification by the quality control department.
The batch-specific documentation is a prerequisite for the creation of safety assessments (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) and traceability within the scope of audits.
Documentation access at CONIUNCTA
Registered customers have access to TDS and SDS via the "Technical Documentation" tab on each product page. The Certificate of Analysis is provided with the delivery after purchase. For specific requirements, please contact the Regulatory Affairs department at qm-external@coniuncta.com.
CONIUNCTA® - Raw materials, data and services for sustainable formulations.

