Cosmetic Product Testing in the UK

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The foundation of every successful beauty product exists within the framework of strict scientific evaluation methods. METS Laboratories develops marketable cosmetic formulations through their expertise in analysis and their complete safety testing and detailed quality evaluation. The exact data and comprehensive insights that manufacturers require serve as the foundation for their confident market launch of products Cosmetic Product Testing in The UK

Cosmetic Testing Services
pouring chemical from testtube

Our Testing Philosophy

The success of modern beauty products depends heavily on scientific backing in the current ever-changing marketplace. Our approach combines;

  • Safe screening of products happens through advanced analysis techniques which detect hazards while quantifying contaminants including trace elements and allergens for total consumer protection.
  • The company implements state-of-the-art testing methods and equipment to prove product attributes through factual data which includes moisture retention statistics alongside UV protection measurement results.
  • The systematic testing protocols under Quality Assurance verify how products maintain their stability and consistency and shelf life within different environmental conditions.

Our company directs your products through complicated worldwide regulatory needs which guarantees they exceed all necessary requirements across all target markets Cosmetic Product Testing in The UK

Standards We Follow

Our highly advanced cosmetic testing laboratory operates under the full scope of international and European regulatory frameworks to guarantee both product safety along with superior quality. Our testing methods follow the EU-Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) because this regulation defines full safety standards for European cosmetic products. Adhering to ISO 22716 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines enables systematic quality control which supports testing operations from beginning to end. The testing methods at our facility operate under the UK Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 with compliance to Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) standards and FDA requirement certificates of Product Notification (CPNs), ensuring full regulatory compliance for your Cosmetic Product Testing in The UK

The testing standards for both microbiological safety and chemical risk assessment are based on ISO 21148:2017 and ISO 29621:2017 respectively. Our stability protocols satisfy international standards by testing products under real-time (25°C ± 2°C) and accelerated (40°C ± 2°C) conditions to evaluate shelf life together with performance quality. The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) serves as our main regulatory partner along with other regulatory bodies that we actively use to update our testing procedures for current standards and safety evaluations. Our facility uses a complete system to verify that every Cosmetic Product Testing in The UK fulfills global quality and safety criteria together with regional standards for worldwide market entry.

cosmetic cream testing in lab

Labelling Your Cosmetics in the UK:

The companies marketing cosmetics products in the UK must comply with the requirements of the new UK regulations, with effect from 1st January 2021.

Mandatory Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics Sold in the UK?

The following information must appear on the labels of cosmetic products;

  • The name and address of the designated responsible individual located in the United Kingdom.
  • Quantity declaration
  • The document requires the designation of a responsible individual for the UK. This person must provide their name and UK address.
  • Warnings and precautions
  • The batch numbers
  • The function of the product
  • The declaration of ingredients
  • The country of origin for imported products

What are Mandatory Requirements for Natural Ingredients for Cosmetics Allowed on European Market?

The market demand for natural cosmetic materials offers developing nations vital commercial prospects. The European market sets extremely stringent rule systems to regulate cosmetic product standards. The rise of consumer demand and regulatory changes require manufacturers and brands to implement necessary changes. As per Regulation 2009/1223and the cosmetic products Enforcement Regulations 2013: Great Britain, the cosmetics manufactures must prepare and submit to the local authorities a Cosmetics product safety report (CPSR) containing full details of the product and its ingredients. The CPSR must include the following information;

  • Chemical identity of the substances, including chemical name, INCI, CAS, EINECS/ELINCS and their intended functions also.
  • Physical and chemical properties of the substances or mixtures
  • Purity of substances and mixtures
  • A cosmetic product's toxicological evaluation needs to assess every vital toxicological endpoint specifically when evaluating new hazardous components.

Sectors We Serve

  • Cosmetic Manufacturers: Supporting product development, quality control, and formulation validation.
  • Retail and E-Commerce Brands: Assisting in compliance testing before market launch.
  • Pharmaceutical together with cosmeceutical firms function to guarantee both the safety and operational excellence of medicated cosmetic products.
  • Natural and Organic Product Brands: Verifying ingredient authenticity and clean formulations.
  • Regulatory Agencies: Conducting compliance assessments and product safety verification.

Categories of Cosmetic Products We Test:

1. Makeup Products

Face Makeup
  • Foundation: Liquid, cream, powder, or stick formulations for coverage.
  • Concealer: Liquid, cream, and stick concealers for spot correction.
  • Powders: Setting powders, translucent powders, and compact powders.
  • Blush: Available in powder, cream, and liquid forms.
  • Highlighters: Powder, liquid, or cream-based glow-enhancing products.
  • The range of primers includes products which both hydrate the skin, minimize pores, and create a matte effect on the complexion.
  • The use of setting sprays enables the user to maintain strong makeup endurance throughout the day.
Eye Makeup
  • Eyeshadows: Palettes, single shades, powders, creams, and liquids.
  • Four types of eyeliners exist: Liquid, gel, pencil, and felt-tip versions belong to this category.
  • Mascaras are available as they come in three different types, including waterproof, volumizing, and lengthening varieties.
  • The following eyebrow products are available: pencils, powders, pomades, gels, and waxes.
Lip Makeup
  • Lipsticks: Matte, satin, and glossy finishes.
  • Lip Glosses: Sheer, tinted, and shimmery options.
  • Lip Liners: Pencils and crayons for defining lips.
  • Lip Balms: Hydrating, tinted, and medicated balms.

2. Skin Care Products

Face Care
  • Face washes together with makeup removers and micellar water make up cleansing products.
  • Moisturizers: Creams, lotions, gels, and serums for hydration and nourishment.
  • Toners come in three different forms which include hydrating solutions, clarifying agents, and exfoliating treatments to keep skin at its balance.

Users should apply exfoliators/scrubs that contain physical and chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) to eliminate dead skin cells.Users should consider using three main types of face masks including sheet masks, clay masks, peel-off masks, and overnight treatments.

Body Care
  • Body Lotions & Creams: Hydrating, firming, and soothing formulations.
  • Body Washes & Soaps: Liquid soaps, bars, and shower gels.
  • Scrubs & Exfoliants: Sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, and chemical exfoliators.
  • Body Oils & Butters: Coconut oil, shea butter, and therapeutic massage oils.
picture of makeup brush

3. Hair Care Products

  • Shampoos: Formulated for different hair types and concerns (dandruff, colour-treated, volumizing).
  • Conditioners: Rinse-out, leave-in, and deep-conditioning treatments.
  • Hair Masks: Intensive hydration, repair, and strengthening treatments.
  • Styling Products: Gels, mousses, sprays, waxes, and pomades for various styles.
  • Hair Treatments: Serums, scalp treatments, heat protectants, and hair oils.
  • Hair Dyes: Permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary color solutions.

4.Nail Products:

  • Various nail polishes including regular versions, gels, and peel-off options exist on the market.
  • The necessary nail care products include cuticle oils, nail strengtheners, and base coats.
  • Nail Polish Removers: Acetone and non-acetone solutions.
  • Stickers, glitters, and stencils represent creative nail art products that add design variety to nail art.

5.Sun Care and Tanning Products:

  • The product range includes sunscreen items such as cream, spray, stick, and powdered sun protection products with SPF defense.
  • Skin soothing lotions along with cooling gel products serve as after-sun care products.
  • Self-Tanners constitute creams and sprays along with mousses for people who want a bronzed appearance.
  • Tanning oils provide a product which intensifies skin reaction to sunlight.

6.Speciality Cosmetics:

  • Acne treatments and anti-aging creams which also contain dermatological solutions fall under the category of medicated skin care products.
  • Cosmeceuticals: Combining skincare with pharmaceutical benefits, such as retinol serums.
  • The product line includes whitening and brightening solutions for complexion uniformity.
  • The Anti-Pollution product line exists to protect users against environmental contaminants.

7.Men’s Grooming Products:

  • Shaving Products: Creams, foams, gels, and aftershave lotions.
  • Men who maintain a beard can find suitable products in the categories of oils, balms, and grooming kits.
  • Men’s Skin Care: Cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.
  • Men's Pierce perfumes together with men-specific deodorants form a separate category.

8.Baby and Sensitive Skin Products:

  • Baby Lotions & Oils: Gentle formulations for delicate skin.
  • Protective and soothing diaper rash cream falls into this category.
  • Mild Cleansers: Hypoallergenic soaps and body washes.
  • Harmless skin care products are available without allergens or tough chemicals.

9.Natural and Organic Products:

  • These beauty products contain no parabens and sulfates together with all synthetic additives removed.
  • Vegan Products: 100% plant-based formulations.
  • Ayurvedic & Herbal Products: Based on ancient medicinal traditions.

10.Fragrances:

  • Body Mists: Lightweight, everyday fragrances.
  • Roll-Ons: Travel-friendly perfume applicators.
  • The deodorant and antiperspirant category of products exists in spray, roll-on and stick forms.
lady scientist

Our Strengths in Cosmetic Product Testing:

  • The laboratory examines microbial contaminants alongside toxic chemicals which might act as allergens as well as Formaldehyde and Bisphenols through chemical tests.
  • The testing procedure assesses statements regarding product longevity and protection levels and hydration effects.
  • Dermatological Testing: Ensuring safety for sensitive skin types.
  • Custom Solutions: Tailored testing methods for different formulations.
  • The stability testing establishes how the cosmetic product performs against particular moisture exposure and temperature conditions.
  • Toxicological Testing: Toxicological testing determines the toxicity of a product and analyses the conditions for which toxicity would take place.
  • Biocompatibility Tests: The cosmetics products are biocompatible only within their specific location within the human body and in relation to their specific application. Our biocompatibility test methods cover cytotoxicity testing, sensitization testing, irritation testing, systematic toxicity testing, etc.
  • Heavy Metals Testing: The heavy metals in cosmetics cause potential health risks. Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Selenium (Se), Nickel (Ni) are elements that are commonly called the ‘Heavy Metals’ or ‘Toxic metals’.
Partner with Us:

We provide industry-leading cosmetic testing services to ensure your products meet global quality standards. Contact us today to elevate your brand’s credibility and consumer trust.

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