CIR was created in 1976 by the Federation of American Cosmetics Companies (CTFA is now called the Personal Care Products Council ), with the support of the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) and of CFA (Consumer Federation of America).

Its panel of experts, composed of scientists appointed jointly by the industry, health authorities and consumers' associations, regularly publishes the results of its evaluations on safety of use of cosmetic ingredients.

These are available on the Website of CIR .