SERVICESCosmetic Lab Testing

Cosmetic lab testing is an essential step in the development and compliance of personal care products. It guarantees product safety, supports marketing claims, and ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks like the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Whether you’re launching skincare, makeup, hair, or oral care products, comprehensive testing is needed.

Microbiological Testing for Cosmetics

One of the most critical first steps in product safety is Microbiology Testing. This test checks for the presence of harmful bacteria, yeast, and mold in your cosmetic formulation. A contaminated product can pose serious health risks to users and may be legally unmarketable.

Microbiological testing is typically required for every batch before release, especially for water-based formulations. Certified Cosmetics offers accredited microbiological analysis to ensure your products meet international safety standards.

Preservative Efficacy Challenge Test

The Preservative Efficacy Challenge Test evaluates how effective your product’s preservative system is over time. By intentionally introducing microorganisms into the formulation, the test simulates real-world contamination and checks whether the preservatives neutralize the threat effectively.

This test is mandatory for most leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics with an aqueous phase. Without a passed challenge test, your safety assessment may be invalid under EU regulations.

Dermatological Patch Testing

Dermatological safety is a key concern for any skincare product. The Patch Test is a standard method used to assess the potential of a product to cause irritation or allergic reactions when applied to human skin.

Patch tests are generally conducted on volunteers under the supervision of a dermatologist. This type of skin testing is vital for product claims like “dermatologically tested” and is often required for efficacy testing and regulatory compliance.

Accelerated Stability and Compatibility Testing

Will your product remain effective, safe, and visually appealing over time? The Accelerated Stability and Compatibility Test is designed to simulate long-term storage conditions. It helps predict the shelf life by exposing the product to elevated temperatures and light.

This test ensures your packaging is compatible with the formula and that no separation, color change, or odor development occurs. It’s a fundamental requirement for any brand looking to offer a professional, reliable product.

Period After Opening (PAO) Test

Another essential shelf life indicator is the Period After Opening (PAO) Test. This test determines how long a product remains safe and effective after it has been opened and exposed to air and environmental factors.

The PAO symbol on cosmetic packaging (e.g., 6M, 12M) communicates this timeline to consumers. PAO testing is particularly important for products without a definitive expiry date printed on the packaging.

Targeted Efficacy Testing for Different Product Types

Efficacy testing supports claims such as “moisturizes for 24 hours,” “anti-wrinkle,” or “whitens teeth.” Certified Cosmetics offers tailored efficacy testing services for various categories:

Skin Care Products

For facial creams, serums, and body lotions, efficacy of skin care products testing involves skin hydration, elasticity, and irritation evaluations. Instrumental analysis (e.g., corneometry, cutometry) and volunteer feedback are combined for a comprehensive report.

Eye Products

Eye area products require strict tolerance validation. Ophthalmological testing ensures that mascaras, eyeliners, and eye creams are non-irritating and suitable for sensitive areas, including compatibility with contact lenses.

Hair Care Products

Testing the efficacy of hair care products is essential to support claims like “adds volume” or “reduces hair fall.” Common methods include instrumental hair tensile strength tests, shine evaluations, and volunteer perception studies.

Oral Care Products

For mouthwash, toothpaste, or whitening strips, oral care efficacy testing checks for plaque reduction, whitening effects, and freshness longevity. Testing protocols are aligned with dental and safety regulations to ensure credibility.

Product Documentation and Regulatory Support

Comprehensive lab testing must be supported by proper documentation to comply with EU, UK, and international cosmetic regulations.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS)

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) is a key document that outlines the chemical, physical, and safety-related information of each product or raw material. It is required for transportation, storage, and regulatory filing.

Our team ensures that your SDSs are REACH-compliant and follow EU Regulation No. 2020/878.

Product Specification Creation

The Product Specification Test service provides essential data for the CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report). This includes physical appearance, pH value, viscosity, and density, forming the core of the product’s technical file.

Heavy Metal Testing

Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic are not permitted in cosmetics except in trace amounts. Certified Cosmetics offers reliable Heavy Metal Testing to ensure safety and compliance with EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

This test is especially important for colored products like lipstick and eye shadow.