Laboratory Testing for Cosmetic Products
What Is Cosmetic Laboratory Testing?
Cosmetic laboratory testing involves evaluating your product to confirm its safety, efficacy, and compliance with regulatory standards in your target market. These tests ensure that your products are safe for consumers and meet the required specifications for claims and performance. While Biorius does not provide laboratory testing services directly, we can guide you through the necessary steps and connect you with trusted testing laboratories.
How Biorius Supports Your Lab Testing Needs
At Biorius, we act as your regulatory compliance partner. While we do not conduct lab tests, we provide essential support by:
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Identifying Required Tests: Determining the specific lab tests needed for your product’s compliance. -
Connecting with Trusted Labs: Recommending accredited laboratories with a proven track record. -
Interpreting Test Results: Helping you understand and incorporate test outcomes into your Product Information File (PIF). -
Integrating Compliance Efforts: Ensuring lab results align with regulatory submissions, such as safety assessments or Cosmetic Product Notification Portals (CPNP).
Types of Cosmetic Lab Tests Required:
Biorius brings trusted expertise and worry-free solutions to your regulatory compliance needs. Acting as your Responsible Person in the EU, UK, and Canada, and as your US Agent, we handle every detail—from product notifications to ongoing compliance—so you can focus on growth.
A stability test evaluates the durability and integrity of cosmetic products throughout their lifecycle. Here’s what it involves:
- The test assesses how well the product holds up under various conditions, such as temperature and light, from production to the end of its shelf life.
- It evaluates key factors like pH, viscosity, color stability, and compatibility with its packaging.
- Conducted over at least three months, the test simulates transport and storage conditions to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Results determine the product’s shelf life and recommended “use-by date” after opening.
A complementary compatibility test may also be performed at the same time to check for interactions between the product and its packaging.
A challenge test (also known as PET or Preservative Efficacy Test/Study) evaluates the effectiveness of preservatives in a cosmetic product by assessing their ability to control microbial growth. The product is exposed to specific pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger) and monitored over 7, 14, and 28 days.
The test measures the reduction in pathogens to confirm the preservative’s efficacy, ensuring the microbiological safety of the product.
Microbiology analysis ensures the product is free from contamination during the production phase. It involves measuring:
- Total aerobic microorganisms
- Yeast and mold
Depending on the type of product and its formulation, this test may not always be required. However, when performed, it is essential for maintaining the safety and quality of the product.
Efficacy tests are essential to validate the performance claims of cosmetic products. These tests scientifically assess whether the product delivers the promised benefits, such as moisturizing, anti-aging, or skin-soothing effects.
By evaluating the product’s functionality under real-world conditions, efficacy tests ensure that claims are not only compelling but also truthful and compliant with regulatory standards. This process builds consumer trust and aligns with industry regulations.
Safety testing is a crucial step in ensuring that cosmetic products are safe for consumers. Depending on the type of product and its formulation, specific tests may be required to assess potential risks.
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Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT)
This skin irritation test, conducted under dermatological supervision, evaluates the potential for irritation or sensitization. Products that pass this test can carry the claim “dermatologically tested.” -
Eye Irritation Test
This test assesses the risk of eye irritation caused by a cosmetic product or its ingredients, ensuring safety for products intended for use near the eyes.
The choice of tests depends on the product’s intended use, its target audience, and regulatory requirements, ensuring consumer safety and compliance with industry standards.
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As specialists in cosmetic Regulations for more than 15 years, Biorius offers a reliable turnkey solution for placing cosmeticproducts in various markets:
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First Class specialists in cosmetic regulations in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and in more than 60 countries -
50 regulatory experts, toxicologists, pharmacists, and chemists to serve you. -
A unique model that guarantees you both the fastest turnaround possible and high-quality services. Curious? Ask us to know more! -
A best-in-class IT tool, free of charge, and saving a lot of your time. -
More than 1,500 international clients have already chosen Biorius! -
We evaluated more than 100,000 products and have always successfully managed compliance over 15 years of existence
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