A cosmetic product may look and perform perfectly when it is first manufactured, but what will happen after six months on a warehouse shelf? Will the emulsion remain stable? Will the colour change? Could the fragrance fade or the packaging begin to interact with the formulation? Answering these questions is one of the main objectives...
South Korea is one of the world’s leading cosmetic markets and a global reference for skincare innovation. However, bringing a cosmetic product to the Korean market requires more than developing an effective formulation. Manufacturers and importers must demonstrate that products comply with the country’s safety and quality requirements under the regulatory framework established by the...
South Korea has developed one of the world’s most sophisticated regulatory frameworks for cosmetics. While most cosmetic products are regulated under the general provisions of the Cosmetics Act, certain products fall into a special category known as functional cosmetics. These products are subject to additional regulatory scrutiny because they make claims that go beyond the...
When discussing cosmetic stability testing, one reference frequently appears in technical documentation and laboratory protocols: ISO/TR 18811:2018. Manufacturers often assume it is a mandatory testing standard or that it prescribes a specific laboratory procedure. In reality, neither is true. ISO/TR 18811 is a technical report that provides scientific guidance on how cosmetic stability testing should...
When discussing cosmetic stability testing, accelerated studies often receive most of the attention because they provide results within a relatively short period. However, they are only one part of the overall stability assessment. Another important approach is real-time stability testing, where cosmetic products are stored under normal conditions for an extended period and evaluated at...
Not every cosmetic product requires the same laboratory testing programme. The studies needed depend on factors such as the formulation, its intended use, the packaging and the potential risks associated with the product. One laboratory study that often raises questions is preservative efficacy testing, also known as the challenge test. While this test is essential...
Not all cosmetic products present the same risks, and therefore not all require the same laboratory testing programme. A water-based facial cream, a solid soap, a lipstick and a sunscreen differ significantly in their composition, intended use and susceptibility to physical or microbiological changes. Under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that...
Laboratory testing is performed on the samples provided by the manufacturer. If those samples differ from the final product or are damaged during transport, the results may no longer accurately reflect the cosmetic that will be sold. Preparing samples correctly allows laboratories to begin testing immediately, reduces the need for clarification and helps ensure that...
Cosmetic products are not required to be sterile, but they must be microbiologically safe for consumers under normal conditions of use. While a small number of harmless microorganisms may be acceptable in some products, excessive microbial contamination or the presence of certain pathogenic species can present a significant health risk. To ensure consumer safety, laboratories...
Selecting a laboratory is an important decision during cosmetic product development. The quality of the testing performed can influence regulatory compliance, product quality, development timelines and, ultimately, consumer safety. While many laboratories offer cosmetic testing services, they do not all provide the same level of expertise, scope of services or technical support. Choosing the right...
