Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment – Water Based
From: €150.00
A signed Cosmetic Product Safety Report for your water-based cosmetic product, prepared by a qualified Safety Assessor. We assess your formula, ingredient concentrations, microbiological safety, preservation system, stability, and intended use to ensure your product meets EU cosmetic safety requirements and is ready for the European market.
✓ EU Cosmetic Regulation compliant
✓ Signed by a qualified Safety Assessor
✓ PIF, CPSR & CPNP included
✓ Ready for EU/EEA market access
- Description
- Additional information
The Full Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment provides everything you need to sell your products to consumers in the EU. It consists of the following:
- Cosmetic Product Information File (PIF)
- Part A: Information on the safety of cosmetic products – Contains data on the products ingredients, stability, microbiological quality, impurities, and packaging.
- Part B: Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) – Contains the conclusions, warnings, and justifications of the safety assessor, which ensure that the product is safe under normal use.
- Laboratory tests and results
- EU CPNP Notification
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
The EU Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) is a document that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of cosmetic products placed on the market in the European Union (EU). It is a requirement under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009), which sets out the rules and regulations for cosmetic products.
Cosmetic Product Information File (PIF)
The Cosmetic Product Information File (PIF) is a comprehensive document that serves as a central repository of information about a cosmetic product. It is a mandatory requirement under the European Union (EU) Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009). The PIF is intended to provide competent authorities with access to key data on a cosmetic product and its safety assessment.
Cosmetic Challenge Test
A cosmetic challenge test, also known as an efficacy test or challenge test, is a laboratory procedure performed to assess the efficacy of preservatives in cosmetic products. The purpose of this test is to ensure that the formulation is sufficiently protected against microbial contamination throughout its shelf life and during consumer use.
Microbiological testing
Microbiological testing is a critical aspect of the cosmetics industry and focuses on product safety and quality by monitoring and controlling microbial contamination. It helps manufacturers produce safe and effective cosmetic and personal care products for consumers.
Cosmetic stability testing
Cosmetic stability testing is a series of evaluations conducted to assess how the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of a cosmetic product are affected over time when stored under various conditions. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that the product remains safe and effective and retains its intended quality throughout its shelf life.
EU CPNP Notification
The EU CPNP notification refers to the process of notifying cosmetic products to the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP), a centralized online notification system used within the European Union (EU). The CPNP was established under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) and serves as a tool for exchanging information about cosmetic products between regulatory authorities and the responsible persons who place these products on the market.
How does the process work?
- Choose the assessment
- You purchase the assessment via our website.
- Access to secure portal
- After purchase, you will gain access to our secure portal where you can complete the intake.
- Complete intake
- Fill in all requested information about your product and upload relevant documentation.
- Send samples
- Send physical samples of your product to our laboratory. When you scan your lab test in the portal, the safety assessor will ask for the number of samples. This depends on your product and packaging.
- Laboratory tests
- We perform laboratory tests.
- Safety Assessment
- Our safety assessor prepares the PIF, Parts I, II, and III.
- EU CPNP Notification and Documentation Submission
- We handle the registration of your product in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) and provide you with the complete PIF documentation.
What do you need to request a CPSR?
To ensure the process runs smoothly, we need the following information from you:
- Product formulation: A complete list of ingredients, including concentrations and INCI names.
- Product packaging: Information about packaging and labels.
- Instructions for use: How the product is used by consumers.
- Sample: A physical sample of your product for laboratory analysis.
- Documentation: Certificates for raw materials (e.g., MSDS and COA). You can find more information on our page about documentation required for a safety assessment.
What is a variation?
You can often create multiple product variations simply by changing the scent or color of a base formulation. By choosing the variation option in these specific cases, you benefit from lower costs while ensuring that your product variations continue to comply with cosmetic safety regulations. For each variation, we create the PIF with CPSR and conduct a stability and compatibility test. If your product requires additional test, then these can be selected. For example:
A product with more then 15% water in 3 scents without a CoA of the final product
1 x Cosmetic Product Safety Report – CPSR
1 x Product Information File PIF
1 x Stability and Compatibility Test
3 x Microbiology Test
3 x Preservative Efficacy Challenge Test
3 x CPNP Notification
3 x Certificate of Analysis – CoA
2 x Variations
In this example there is 1 main product with 2 variations. The CPSR, PIF and Stability and Compatibility Test are included in the variations.
When should you choose the variation option?
- Change fragrance: If the only change to the base formulation is a change in fragrance, you can choose the variant option. This is because the base formulation remains the same and only the fragrance is changed.
- Change color: Even if you choose to change the products color without introducing new ingredients or raw materials, this qualifies for the variant price.
Important reminder: If additional raw materials are added (such as a new active ingredient, plant extract, preservatives, or any other ingredient that changes the formulation), this is not considered a variantdue to the significant change that the new formulation entails.
Additional information
Cosmetic Product Safety Report - CPSR
| Your Product Recipe Ingredients | 1- 9 Ingredients, 10- 14 Ingredients, 15- 19 Ingredients, 20- 29 Ingredients, 30+ ingredients |
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Cosmetic Label Review
| Label Review | Extended, Standard |
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Stability and Compatibility Test
| Stability Test | Accelerated, Accelerated + Shelf Life Estimation, Thermal Shock, Thermal Shock + Shelf Life Estimation |
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Preservative Efficacy Challenge Test
| Challenge Test | EP/USP 51, ISO 11930, Mixed Culture, Preservative Synergistic Effect, Re-inoculation Protocol, Vegan |
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Variation Stability and Compatibility Test
| Stability Test | Accelerated, Accelerated + Shelf Life Estimation, Thermal Shock, Thermal Shock + Shelf Life Estimation |
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Variation Preservative Efficacy Challenge Test
| Challenge Test | EP/USP 51, ISO 11930, Mixed Culture, Preservative Synergistic Effect, Re-inoculation Protocol, Vegan |
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What we assess specifically for water-based products
Water-based cosmetics require particular attention to microbiological safety, preservation, and formulation stability. Our Safety Assessors evaluate the risks associated with water-containing products to ensure compliance with EU cosmetic safety requirements.
Ingredient Safety & Concentrations
Each ingredient is evaluated for its toxicological profile, concentration, regulatory restrictions, and suitability for the intended cosmetic application.
Microbiological Safety
We assess the risk of microbial contamination and review microbiological quality testing, including compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 17516.
Preservative Effectiveness
The preservation system is evaluated for its ability to protect against microbial growth, including review of challenge testing according to ISO 11930 where applicable.
Stability & Shelf Life
We review product stability, including changes in appearance, colour, odour, viscosity, pH, and physical characteristics throughout the intended shelf life.
pH & Skin Compatibility
The product's pH is assessed in relation to skin compatibility, ingredient stability, preservative effectiveness, and the intended area of application.
Skin Exposure & Intended Use
Exposure calculations consider the application area, frequency of use, product quantity, target population, and whether the product is leave-on or rinse-off.
Fragrance & Allergens
Fragrance ingredients, essential oils, and relevant allergens are assessed against applicable EU restrictions, concentration limits, and labelling requirements.
Packaging & Product Compatibility
We evaluate packaging suitability, potential interactions between the formulation and its container, and contamination risks during storage and consumer use.
Which tests are required for a water based product?
Tests generate the data; the CPSR is the assessor's evaluation of that data. Your assessor needs the right test reports to sign off.
Stability Testing
Confirms that the product remains stable and suitable throughout its intended shelf life.
Microbiological Quality
Required where microbiological risk needs to be demonstrated.
Challenge Testing
Evaluates whether the preservative system adequately protects the product against microbial contamination.
For water-based water based product, stability, microbiological and challenge testing are all required.
For oil-based or anhydrous water based product, stability testing is usually enough. Microbiological and challenge testing can often be replaced by a low-risk justification.
Start your assessment3 easy steps to get your water based product Product Safety Assessment
Buy your assessment
See which assessment fits with your product and needs
Add your product recipe
In our secure online platform you can easily create your product for assessment.
Receive your assessment
We create the full assessment. Your sales can start!
You receive a complete Cosmetic Product Safety Report
Delivered as a signed PDF in your Secure Portal, ready to file in your Product Information File (PIF).
- CPSR Part A
- CPSR Part B
- Ingredient safety assessment
- Exposure calculations
- Margin of Safety calculations
- Safety conclusion
- Warnings & conditions of use
- Qualified assessor signature
Make sure your water based product label is EU compliant
A safe formula still can’t be sold with a non-compliant label. We check your artwork against Article 19 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — and, with the extended review, every claim you make.
Label Review
The legal basics every cosmetic label needs.
- Mandatory information Responsible Person, nominal content, durability date or PAO, precautions, batch number and country of origin.
- INCI ingredient list Correct INCI names, descending order, colorants, nano-materials and labelled fragrance allergens.
- Icons & symbols PAO jar, open-book symbol, hourglass and ℮-mark — correct use and placement.
Extended Label Review
Standard checks, plus a review of every claim on your packaging.
- All claims reviewed Every claim on pack is checked against the common criteria of Regulation (EU) No 655/2013.
- Claim validity & evidence Claims such as “dermatologically tested”, “long-lasting” or “free from” are matched against your supporting data.
- Rewording advice Where a claim can’t be supported, we suggest compliant alternatives.
Your water based product is assessed by qualified professionals — not generated
Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires the safety assessment to be carried out by a person holding a diploma in pharmacy, toxicology, medicine or a similar discipline. Every CPSR we issue is reviewed, concluded and signed by such an assessor, who takes professional responsibility for the conclusion.
- 01 Degree in pharmacy, toxicology, medicine or equivalent
- 02 Assessment follows the SCCS Notes of Guidance
- 03 Direct contact with your assessor via the Secure Portal
What if my water based product formula doesn't pass?
You don't just receive a rejection. If your assessor identifies an ingredient concentration, restriction or other safety concern, we explain the issue and what needs to be resolved before the assessment can be completed.
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Issue identified
E.g. a restricted substance above its Annex III limit, or missing impurity data.
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Clear explanation
Your assessor tells you what the concern is and which options resolve it.
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You adjust or supply data
Reformulate, add documentation or run an additional test.
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Assessment completed
Your CPSR is finalised and signed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CPSR for a water-based cosmetic product?
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.
Which water-based cosmetic products can you assess?
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.
Do water-based cosmetics require laboratory testing?
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.
What is a challenge test and why is it important?
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.
What is the difference between microbiological testing and challenge testing?
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.
Do all water-based cosmetic products need preservatives?
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.
What documents do I need for a water-based cosmetic CPSR?
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.
How is the pH of a water-based cosmetic product assessed?
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.
Can multiple fragrance or colour variations be included in one CPSR?
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.
How is the shelf life of a water-based cosmetic product determined?
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.
Can you assess handmade or small-batch water-based cosmetics?
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.
Can you assess water-based cosmetics manufactured outside the EU?
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.
Is a CPSR enough to sell water-based cosmetics in the EU?
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.
What happens if I change my water-based cosmetic formulation?
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.
Can Certified Cosmetics also help with laboratory testing, PIF and CPNP notification?
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.
Ready to make your water based product EU compliant?
Start your Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment today. Our Safety Assessors review your formulation and documentation and guide you through every requirement for completing your CPSR.
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