Yes. All water-based cosmetic products placed on the EU market require a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This includes creams, lotions, serums, gels, toners, shampoos, conditioners and other water-containing formulations. The CPSR confirms that your product has undergone a safety assessment by a qualified Safety Assessor before being placed on the market.

We can prepare CPSRs for a wide range of water-based cosmetics, including facial creams, body lotions, moisturisers, facial serums, toners, cleansing gels, shower gels, liquid soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, facial mists and other water-containing cosmetic formulations. Each product is assessed according to its ingredients, intended use, application area and exposure conditions.

Water-based cosmetic products generally require appropriate stability and microbiological testing to support their safety assessment. This commonly includes stability testing, microbiological quality testing and preservative efficacy testing (challenge testing). The exact testing requirements depend on the formulation, pH, water activity, packaging and intended use. Our Safety Assessors review your product to determine which tests are necessary.

A challenge test, also known as a Preservative Efficacy Test (PET), evaluates how effectively a cosmetic formulation controls microbial contamination. The product is deliberately inoculated with specified microorganisms, and their survival is monitored over time. Testing is commonly performed according to ISO 11930 or another scientifically appropriate method. Challenge testing helps demonstrate that the preservation system can protect the product during its intended shelf life and consumer use.

Microbiological quality testing examines whether a cosmetic product meets acceptable microbial limits and is free from specified microorganisms, commonly using criteria from ISO 17516. Challenge testing evaluates the effectiveness of the product's preservation system against deliberately introduced microorganisms. Both tests serve different purposes and may be required to demonstrate the microbiological safety of a water-based cosmetic formulation.

Not necessarily, but water-based cosmetics are generally more susceptible to microbial contamination than anhydrous products. A suitable preservation strategy is therefore important. Some formulations may achieve adequate microbiological protection through factors such as low water activity, extreme pH, packaging or other formulation characteristics. Our Safety Assessors evaluate the microbiological risks and supporting evidence to determine whether the product's preservation strategy is adequate.

We require the complete quantitative formulation, including INCI names and exact ingredient percentages. Additional documentation may include Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (CoA), raw-material specifications, fragrance allergen declarations, IFRA certificates and information about the manufacturing process and packaging. Relevant stability, microbiological quality and challenge test reports are also required where applicable.

The pH of a water-based cosmetic product is evaluated in relation to its intended application, ingredient stability, preservative effectiveness and potential for skin or eye irritation. Different cosmetic categories may require different pH considerations. Our Safety Assessors review the measured pH and its suitability for the formulation and intended use as part of the overall safety assessment.

Yes, in some cases. Water-based cosmetic products sharing the same base formulation may be assessed together when only fragrance or colour variations differ. Each variation must be reviewed for ingredient safety, regulatory restrictions, allergens and potential effects on stability or preservation. We assess your formulations to determine whether multiple variations can be included within one CPSR.

The shelf life of a water-based cosmetic product is supported by stability data, microbiological safety information, packaging compatibility and the characteristics of the formulation. Stability testing helps identify changes in appearance, colour, odour, pH, viscosity and physical stability. The available evidence is used to justify the product's minimum durability period or Period After Opening (PAO), where applicable.

Yes. Certified Cosmetics can prepare CPSRs for handmade cosmetics, small-batch formulations, independent brands and larger manufacturers. All cosmetic products must meet the same EU safety requirements regardless of production volume. Water-based products require particular attention to hygienic manufacturing, microbiological quality, preservation and stability. Manufacturing must comply with applicable Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.

Yes. Water-based cosmetic products manufactured outside the European Union can receive an EU Cosmetic Product Safety Report. The manufacturer must provide sufficient formulation, ingredient, manufacturing and testing documentation for the assessment. Before the product can be placed on the EU market, an EU-established Responsible Person must also be appointed and all applicable regulatory requirements must be fulfilled.

No. The CPSR is an essential component of EU cosmetic compliance, but additional requirements apply. Your product must have a complete Product Information File (PIF), an EU Responsible Person, compliant labelling, appropriate Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation and a Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) notification before being placed on the EU market.

Any changes to the formulation should be reviewed to determine whether the existing CPSR remains valid. Modifying ingredients, concentrations, preservatives, fragrance blends or pH can affect product safety, stability and microbiological protection. Depending on the changes, updated laboratory testing, a revised CPSR or a new safety assessment may be required.

Yes. Certified Cosmetics offers comprehensive regulatory support for water-based cosmetic products, including Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSR), stability testing, microbiological quality testing, challenge testing, Product Information Files (PIF), label reviews, EU Responsible Person services and CPNP notifications. Our services help you manage the safety assessment and regulatory requirements needed to bring your cosmetic products to the EU and EEA market.