[poll results] Which 'Phase' of Testing do you Find Most Critical to Ensuring Product Safety?

Jan 14th, 2025

Rachel Grabenhofer, C&T magazine

young beautiful chemist testing cosmetic samples in lab

Image by Krakenimages.com at Adobe Stock

Last week, we highlighted how safety, efficacy and stability testing are carried out before a cosmetic product ever reaches the retail shelf. And that these properties must then endure transport, storage conditions, consumer use and more.

So we asked you at which phase do you think safety testing is most critical:

prototyping,
pre-market testing or
post-surveillance?

Here's what you told us. Be sure to check back for our latest poll!

Poll Results

Prototype testing 33%
Pre-market testing 59%
Post-market surveillance 8%

female chemist in lab coat with gloves examining gold liquid in flask

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[poll results] When Conducting Safety Testing, Which Aspect Do You Prioritize Most?

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young female chemist in lab preparing samples

[results] How Do You Typically Manage Waste and Environmental Impact in the Lab?

Last week, we noted that labs can have a significant carbon footprint, contributing to the climate crisis. This made us wonder: How do you practice sustainability in the lab? Here's what you said.

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person presenting beauty concepts to table of women

[poll results] Which Sensory Evaluation Method Do You Prefer for Consumer Product Testing?

Earlier, we asked: What's your go-to method when it comes to getting sensory feedback about your latest formula? Here's what you said.

steampunk-scientist-in-lab-measuring-crystal-ball

[poll results] Which factor is most critical in determining the success of a lab-scale formulation?

Previously, we highlighted the many hats cosmetic scientists wear: that of a detective, a process engineer and a consumer mind reader. We asked: which is most critical to success? Here's what you said.

chemist in lab testing cosmetic products

[poll results] What is Your Primary Concern When Conducting Preservative Efficacy Testing?

Last week, we asked you what your primary concern is when conducting preservative testing. Here's how you responded. Be sure to check back for our latest poll!

chemist in lab with materials test tubes colors

[poll results] What’s Your Biggest Challenge When Sourcing Raw Materials for Lab Work?

Last week, we noted the pandemic affected industries in many ways; one was supply shortages. Climate change is another affecting resources. This made us wonder: What's your biggest challenge to sourcing materials? Here's what you said.

petri dishes microbe testing colorful spread out on surface

[poll results] How Often do you Conduct Microbiological Testing During the Product Development Process?

As you know, microbial contamination is the bane of cosmetics formulators' existence and one of the most common reasons products are recalled. So we asked last week: how often do you test for microbial contamination during PD? Here's what you said.

chemist in lab examining flask fluid wearing blue rubber gloves

[poll results] What is the Most Time-consuming Aspect of Your Cosmetic Formulation Lab Work?

Last week, we noted lab tasks in cosmetic formulation vary widely; from chemical characterization and prototype development, to stability and microbiology testing and more. We asked: What aspect takes the most time? Here's what you said.

female caucasian chemist studing samples in lab under microscope

[poll results] What's Your Primary Consideration When Designing a Lab Experiment?

Recently, we took a bird's eye view of how cosmetic scientists design lab experiments: to minimize variables, replicate real-use conditions or maximize data collection...here's what you told us.