Cosmetics are required to be safe when consumers use them according to directions in the labelling. Product testing is one of the important things a manufacturer might do to ensure the safety of a cosmetic product before entering the market. Cosmetic products come in direct contact with the customer’s skin. So, they can do a lot of harm to people if any harmful ingredient is present. For this reason, cosmetic product testing laboratories in India are required to conduct proper tests on these products and ensure they are safe as per the guidelines of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Along with safety, the products’ quality is also examined during these laboratory testing for cosmetic products.
What are the various Cosmetic Tests to ensure Product Quality?
The tests you can conduct to ensure your cosmetic product is safe for consumer use are:
The cosmetic manufacturer can do cosmetic product check so that it is free from microorganisms’ growth. In some cases, the sample is also passed through a Preservative Effectiveness Test [PET] to check for bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
- Stability and Toxicology Testing
Most cosmetic testing labs in India test the cosmetic products for stability to gauge whether during their shelf life and while being in use, the product will maintain its function, physical, chemical, and microbiological aspects or not.
The cosmetics toxicology test checks whether any substance of the product or its mixture can harm the skin of the potential user. Its impact is tested majorly for the eye and the skin.
This cosmetic product testing process involves testing the product with respect to its functionality, performance, usability, and durability.
What is the quantity of a specific cosmetic product required for testing?
A sample quantity of cosmetic products is enough to undergo all the necessary cosmetic testing procedures. However, this should include the amount needed for repetition and retention. So, the exact quantity gets determined based on the overall tests that have to be conducted on the product.
Can Manufacturer use available Safety Data to Support the Safety of Your Cosmetic?
Cosmetic manufacturers can use data on safety that is already available on individual ingredients and on products with similar formulations from other countries. Like from:
- Cosmetic ingredient suppliers often have safety data on their products.
- Safety data can be published in scientific journals
How can I test my cosmetic products?
Cosmetic product testing can be done in-house. But it can become difficult and expensive to do in house with the requirement for specialised facilities and technical expertise. That is why you should get all the skincare products tested from reliable and approved cosmetic production testing laboratories.
If the ingredients of the cosmetic product organic or natural, there is no guarantee that they are safe. Manufacturers should make sure their products are safe when used as per the directions in the labeling. Some testing may still be needed. Suppose you’re a business owner in the cosmetic industry. In that case, our comprehensive cosmetic testing will help you avoid any adulteration in your products to ensure that they are safe for use on skin and have no harmful side effects. The entire process of lab testing for cosmetic products becomes easier when you have Cosmetic regulatory expert for navigating the process. If you are looking for cosmetic product testing, to help you in the complex regulatory process, reach out to CliniExperts.
Reference:
- Product Testing of Cosmetics. Available at: Product Testing of Cosmetics | FDA. Accessible on 25 th April, 2021.
