The European Union is taking a major step toward simplifying recycling across its internal market. A recent technical report from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) outlines how a harmonised waste-sorting label system could work in practice—potentially reshaping packaging requirements across sectors, including cosmetics. However, it is important to clarify from the outset: this document is...
A major beauty retailer’s Q1 2026 report points to a few beauty categories that are picking up speed right now. Body Care, Hair Care, Skin Care, Makeup, and Fragrance were all highlighted as categories with future growth potential. Personal Care Insights reviewed the report and looked at areas where products are gaining traction, plus where...
Animal testing remains one of the most debated and misunderstood topics in the cosmetics industry. Many consumers assume cosmetic animal testing has been banned worldwide, while manufacturers often struggle to understand which regulatory obligations still apply when selling products internationally. The reality is more complex. Depending on the market, cosmetic products may face very different...
Selecting a cosmetic testing laboratory is no longer only a technical decision. For companies planning to commercialize products internationally, the laboratory becomes a key partner in regulatory compliance, product safety, and market access. A laboratory report may support product registration in the European Economic Area (EEA), help substantiate safety under US regulations, or form part...
Expanding a cosmetic product into international markets often seems straightforward at first. A product may already perform well domestically, have positive consumer feedback, and comply with local regulations. However, many manufacturers discover that global commercialization introduces a completely different level of regulatory complexity. Testing failures are not always caused by unsafe products. In many cases,...
Cosmetic products are expected to remain safe, effective, and visually appealing throughout their entire shelf life. Whether it is a moisturizer, shampoo, sunscreen, or serum, consumers expect the product they open months after purchase to perform exactly as intended. Stability testing is the process that helps manufacturers ensure this consistency over time. From a regulatory...
Cosmetic products are expected to remain safe throughout their use, especially when they contain water, botanical extracts, or ingredients susceptible to contamination. Microbiological testing helps manufacturers verify that products are adequately protected against bacteria, yeast, and mold during production, storage, and consumer use. In global cosmetic regulation, microbiological safety is considered a core element of...
Shelf life testing is more than an expiration date. In the cosmetic industry, shelf life testing is essential to demonstrate that a product remains safe, stable, and effective throughout its commercial life. Regulators expect manufacturers to prove that formulations maintain their quality over time, taking into account factors such as stability, microbiological safety, packaging compatibility, and...
The global cosmetics industry operates within a complex regulatory landscape where product safety, ingredient control, and testing standards vary significantly across regions. For manufacturers aiming to enter multiple markets, understanding these differences is not just a matter of compliance—it is a strategic necessity. This article provides a comparative overview of laboratory testing requirements in four...
The debate between “natural” and “synthetic” cosmetics has become increasingly visible in recent years. Consumers often associate natural ingredients with safety, sustainability, and skin compatibility, while synthetic ingredients are sometimes perceived as artificial or potentially harmful. However, from a regulatory perspective in the European Union, cosmetics are not assessed according to whether they are natural...
