What Kind of Testing is Required for Cosmetic Products? Product Testing of Cosmetics
Safety First: What Kind of Testing is Required for Cosmetic Products?
Cosmetic product testing is done to test cosmetic products to ensure that they are safe for the skin or body. Since cosmetic products come directly in contact with the skin, they can be harmful if they happen to contain any unfavorable and damaging substance. Therefore, companies to produce good quality cosmetics need to maintain the credibility of their brand. Product testing plays a vital role for the products to be sold; making it beneficial for the company, the seller, and most importantly the buyer or user.
The Importance of Getting Cosmetics Tested
For the safety and effectiveness of products and their raw materials, quality control of cosmetics is essential. To ensure that the ingredients or raw materials used in cosmetics do not turn out to be unhealthy and harmful for its users, product testing is done. Almost all cosmetic products are dermatologically tested which means they are tested on human skin and the finished product has been defined as ‘safe’ to be applied on the skin.
Different cosmetic tests are done to ensure the safety of products:
- Microbiological Testing
- Safety and Toxicological Testing
- Stability Testing
- Compatibility Testing with Packaging
Since each cosmetic contains different microorganisms, it can be harmful to consumers during its use. Also, while using a product, customers can bring bacteria that can, when mixed with other chemicals, change the product, and make it dangerous. Microbiological testing allows manufacturers to check the formulation preservative system in order to ensure that it is free from any harmful microorganisms’ growth. Third party cosmetics manufacturers are experts in this field, as they already have formulations that are tried and tested in the market.
This test allows manufacturers to determine if any substances of the product and their mixtures present a risk when used by customers. Several tests are included here to highlight the product effect when in contact with the skin and eye. The test is done to check for certain effects including skin irritation, corrosion, penetration, sensitization (patch testing), eye corrosion, and irritation.
A cosmetic product can be altered and become unsafe for consumers, depending on its environmental condition. With the help of a stability test, manufacturers can ensure that the product maintains its function during its shelf life and consumer use. This is also done to ensure the product of its physical aspect and its chemical and microbiological quality.
The packaging should also be tested, especially when in contact with the finished product, as chemicals can easily react with other substances or materials. That could present a risk for consumers. Under the compatibility test, it is checked if there are any corrosive effects between product formulation and packaging, besides any alterations on product function or any alterations on product aesthetic as a result of contact with the packaging materials.
Cosmetics Third Party Manufacturing to Address the Rising Demand for Quality Testing
Meeting the rising demand for safe cosmetics products is difficult, but Cosmetics Third Party Manufacturing have taken up this responsibility to lift the burden off big cosmetics brands and manufacturers. World-class pharmaceutical companies like Akums are already providing testing of cosmetic products on a large scale to bridge this gap between demand and supply. Known for the excellent quality it serves, Akums remain highly in demand as third-party cosmetic manufacturers in India and its products pass through strict quality measures and hold different valid accreditations.
