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Testing Tactics: Measuring What Matters in Color Cosmetics

Effective product evaluation requires combining multiple approaches—analytical, instrumental, expert, and consumer-led testing—to ensure a product's consumer promise is accurately measured.

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Advancing Hyper-Personalized Cosmetics: A Dual Approach Combining Regulatory Methodology and Live A/B Performance Testing

A made-to-order, direct-to-consumer (DTC) model enables cosmetic brands to manage complex regulatory compliance for millions of personalized formulas while leveraging live consumer data to de-risk physical product renovations.

Woman applying skincare cream at vanity with cosmetic bottles, jars, and fresh plants on marble surface

Establishing a Clear Framework for Safety and Claims in Personal Care Products

Independent third-party certification is vital for transparency and market success.

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Is Your NPD Testing Keeping Pace With Cosmetic Innovation?

Ben Elmadi, Technical Manager – Cosmetics, at MSL Solution Providers explains why brands should re-evaluate their approach to NPD testing.

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Advances in Beauty and Personal Care Testing: Novel In vitro Models, Multi-Test Combos, ‘Evidence Packages’ and Real-World Exposure

Advances in analytics and in vitro models are revolutionizing R&D in cosmetics and personal care. This article explores trends, cutting-edge research and expert insights on how these technologies are shaping the future of ethical, efficient testing.

'[Sunscreen] developers will be able to innovate more efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality and safety for consumers.'

[update] How ISO's Endorsement of Two Test Methods Will Enlighten Sunscreen Development

After 10 years, sunscreen developers are nearing the finish line for more ethical, cost efficient, reliable and faster testing thanks to ISO's endorsement of two standards. The final vote was in September 2024. Here, two experts explain what this means.

In evaluating how different solvents may affect the rheology of personal care formulas, it is helpful to consider that different formulation types have distinct relationships between viscosity and elasticity depending on the factors generating their elastic properties.

How Natural Butylene Glycol Advances Market and Rheology Dynamics

Demand for sustainable ingredients in cosmetics and personal care is well-known. Here, a sustainable natural butylene glycol is described to advance this trend and its effects on viscosity and elasticity are assessed in five test formulas.

Microbiological test methods for w/o formulas have raised questions in terms of their suitability. They also require a more critical view of the results than other product types. This first article in a two-part series reviews the limitations of such methods and options for their optimization. It also critically observes to what extent test results provide relevant information for an appropriate safety assessment. Part II, in August 2022, will explore a holistic approach to more accurately assess microbiological safety.

Determining Preservative Efficacy in W/O Formulas, Part I: Test Performance and Limitations

Microbiological test methods for w/o formulas have raised questions in terms of suitability. They also require a more critical view of the results than other product types. This first article in a two-part series reviews the limitations of such methods.

For multifunctional products such as moisturizing hand sanitizers, the sanitizer claim requires a significant reduction (2-3 log) of a microorganism population while the moisturizer claim requires data showing an increase in skin moisture.

Testing the Safety and Efficacy of Multifunctional Personal Care Products, A Primer

Multifunctional products may offer solutions to consumer challenges but as the needs of consumers grow more complex, so do their safety and efficacy testing. This article provides a primer on these considerations.

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Analyze, Optimize: Ensuring Pollution Won’t ‘Get Under Your Skin’

Anti-adhesion, removability, anti-penetration and cleansing properties were assessed in steps, as described here, to optimize formulas for effective anti-pollution protection. An approach was designed to test cosmetic ingredients and formulas for their abilities to suppress the negative effects of pollution in skin.

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Toxicological Evaluation of Cosmetics: A Primer

A cosmetic toxicologist can provide a clear-eyed view of the potential hazards and quantifiable risks of a product based on its composition. This primer briefly explains how.

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Confounding Labels: One ‘Natural’ = 100+ ‘Chemicals’

As most formulators are aware, creating a product with three or more botanicals in it means a final formula containing more than 200 chemicals. How is this better for skin? It's not, according to this commentary.

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Soothing Moves: Cannabis Sativa Cell Culture Alleviates Inflammation

The field cultivation of hemp is tasked by today’s large-scale demand. Here, a Cannabis sativa cell culture extract is proposed as a sustainable alternative. After initial characterization, the extract was tested as described here for efficacy against inflammatory markers for skin-soothing activities.

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“COSMETICS LAB” magazine – Quality Control

Read about techniques used for quality control of cosmetics in "COSMETICS LAB" magazine. How to benefit from greener extraction methods, chromatography, NIR and more when demonstrating product safety

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Progressing Safety, Sustainability and Sincerity with Synthetic Ingredients

As consumers demand complete transparency that extends beyond labels and claims, brands need to provide comprehensive information on the entire supply chain and product lifecycle...

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Standardizing Safety: ISO Validation and Sun Protection Tests

In addition, methods under review pertaining to sun protection are discussed. The ISO sets proposed standards and test methods for nearly every industry; its validation process is described here.

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Strat-M® Membrane for Transdermal Diffusion Testing – FREE Sample

Strat-M® membrane is a synthetic, non-animal based model for transdermal diffusion testing that is predictive of diffusion in human skin and is an alternative to animal testing. Learn more about this innovative technology and request a free sample.

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Patch Testing, Irritation and Sensitization: Safety Testing in Cosmetics

An online exclusive by Anjali Salvi, Ph.D. about product safety and what needs to be done for consumers. Salvi discusses how regional conditions, intended use of the product and method of application can be a huge factor in determining product safety for consumers worldwide.