What are private label cosmetics?
New cosmetic products that enter the market have to undergo a series of tests to confirm, among other things, their safety, stability, and performance. Depending on a number of factors, such as the plant raw materials used or the type of product, the appropriate ones are selected. In this article, You will learn what implementation tests are and why it is needed when launching a new cosmetic product.
Cosmetics implementation research - what is it?
Every cosmetic that is introduced to the European market and then reaches the consumer must undergo a set of tests such as:
- a microbiological purity test,
- dermatological testing,
- an application and use test,
- stability and compatibility test with packaging,
- cosmetic product preservation test.
Fulfilling all standards and requirements is confirmation that the product is safe, durable, and retains its properties throughout its storage and use period.
Cosmetic microbiological purity test
Microbiological purity testing involves contaminating a cosmetic sample with given bacterial strains and then observing the product over a given period of time (after 7, 14, and 28 days) and checking the total number of microorganisms, moulds, and fungi.
If the product is significantly contaminated, there may be a change in consistency, smell, color, or pH, which can affect its properties and cause various types of inflammation or allergic reactions in users.
Therefore, this test guarantees that the cosmetic is microbiologically pure and will have its declared effect.
Patch testing of cosmetics
Patch testing involves assessing the irritant properties of a cosmetic with healthy adult skin. Both natural and synthetic ingredients can cause an allergic reaction. However, dyes, preservatives, and fragrances are the most common causes.
This test verifies that the cosmetic is safe and does not cause irritation.
Application-use testing of cosmetics
Application-utility testing involves checking cosmetics over a specified period of time and under appropriate conditions by a group of probationers, who assess to what extent the manufacturer's declaration on the packaging agrees with reality.
For this purpose, a group of probands, while testing the product, fill out questionnaires containing opinions on its effect on the skin. This type of testing is also used to rule out adverse reactions that could result from the use of a cosmetic and to confirm its safety.
Testing the stability of the cosmetic and its compatibility with the packaging
This test is selected according to the type of cosmetic and its purpose. Its main purpose is to confirm that the cosmetic mass under the influence of temperature shows stability and does not adversely affect the packaging.
Stability and compatibility assessment involves storing the product for a certain period of time (the standard time is 4 weeks) in adjusted humidity, appropriate thermal conditions, and exposure to natural or artificial light, which further verifies the photostability of the product.
A cosmetic that passes this test is considered to be a fully stable, durable, and resistant product. Moreover, it is tantamount to preserving its properties and safety for consumers.
Challenge tests for cosmetic products
A Challenge test is a test that evaluates whether the preservative used, or the entire set of such agents, protects a cosmetic against the growth of microorganisms, molds, and fungi, both before and during use.
It involves contaminating a cosmetic product with bacteria from the Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli genera and checking their concentration after a certain period of time.
This is a test that helps select the right preservative, or several of them, at the right effective concentrations. In addition, it makes it possible to check the stability of the preservative over the entire shelf life of the cosmetic.
What is the cost of a set of tests?
The approximate cost of legally compulsory tests is about 2500-3000 net PLN. According to the cosmetic law, the test reports are summarized in the Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment Report, which is an official document containing details about the formula and its compliance with the law. The cost of such documentation is an additional 1000-1500 net PLN.
On the other hand, additional application studies can cost about 2000 net PLN, depending on the objectives and complexity of the marketing claims we want to confirm.
Summary
Cosmetic implementation tests are an appropriately selected set of tests that are used to assess the stability, contamination, and performance of a cosmetic product. They are indispensable to launch a new product on the European market, as they are a guarantee of safety, durability, and the preservation of its properties throughout the storage and use period of the cosmetic.
What are private label cosmetics?
- You don’t have ownership of the formulation
- Your product line won’t be unique – there may be many brands selling the exact same product
- You can’t change the formulation or choose what it looks or feels like
- Customers can feel betrayed if they find out your product is not unique so you have to align this kind of product launch with your brand values and buyer personas
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