Cosmetic products must be safe when used. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring product safety by conducting a cosmetic safety assessment and providing the safety report.
A safety assessment is mandatory whenever you have a new cosmetic formulation developed. For all new developments via our sourcing platform, your personal contact will go through our checklist for product launches with you. This includes, among other things, the safety assessment and the EU notification.
Which products are covered by the Cosmetics Regulation?
"Cosmetic products are substances or mixtures intended to come into external contact with the various parts of the human body (skin, hair system, nails, lips, and intimate regions) or with the teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity for the sole or predominant purpose of cleansing them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, and/or affecting body odor, and/or to protect them or keep them in good condition."
What is a cosmetic safety evaluation and how does it work?
A cosmetic safety evaluation is a test that indicates whether the finished products, ingredients or components of your products are suitable for use.
Not only is the packaging checked for mandatory information, for example, but also the ingredients and their mixing ratio.
Safety assessment means that the manufacturer or importer of a cosmetic product must conclude from all available information on ingredients and finished products whether it can be used without risk to human health.
Simply put, it is about excluding knowledge about the harmful effects (of each ingredient) on the skin or hair.
Contents of the cosmetic safety assessment
According to European regulations, a safety assessment of cosmetic products is mandatory, which ensures that the product does not pose a risk to the consumer.
Depending on the product category, the retention on and absorption through the skin varies, as does the amount and frequency of application. In addition, there are user groups whose special protection must be taken into account, such as children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Therefore, the choice of raw materials, also with regard to their impurities, can be decisive.
How is a cosmetic safety evaluation performed?
The safety assessment is carried out by a toxicologist who specializes in the field of cosmetics. He evaluates not only the ingredients and their amounts, but also how they interact with each other. He also evaluates whether the product can be used safely on different parts of the body and whether there are possible risks for certain users
The safety assessment should contain sufficient data to ensure that the product in question has no negative effects on the skin, hair system or teeth. The oral cavity includes the lips and the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Who prepares a safety assessment for cosmetics?
The safety assessment must be prepared by a person or company who is competent and has the necessary knowledge in the field.
We have been working with independent laboratories and assessors for years and commission the safety assessment for you.
How much does a safety assessment cost?
The cost of a cosmetic product safety assessment varies widely and depends on the amount of work required for a particular product. A safety assessment can cost between a few hundred and several thousand euros, depending on its complexity.
Who is responsible for the safety evaluation of cosmetics?
The manufacturer must ensure that a safety assessment has been carried out before placing a new cosmetic product on the market. For imported cosmetics, it must have been carried out by the supplier of the ingredients or the importer into the EU.
When do I need a safety assessment?
If a completely new formulation is developed for you, a cosmetic safety assessment must be performed. Safety assessments are also required for all reformulations and/or a new formulation type of a product, e.g. when an existing product line is changed from the current packaging to another.
In addition, you must have your product evaluated if it contains new or discontinued substances.
Your contract manufacturer can also help you commission a safety assessment.
What is a product information file?
A cosmetic product information file is a service provided by the manufacturer or importer and must contain all available information on each ingredient and finished product. This includes:
- Safety assessment
- Safety data sheets
- Recipe
- Application
You want to develop a cosmetic product with your brand?
Since 2008 we develop white label and private label cosmetic products for companies. On our platform you will find hundreds of different cosmetic products with ready-to-use formulas.
The big advantage is that the formulations have already been developed and usually already have a safety assessment. This not only saves you development costs, but also a large initial investment. White label cosmetics can often be produced in small quantities. While new developments have high minimum quantities.
Here you can find a selection of our whitelabel cosmetic products.
