The Badge Archive

Cosmetic companies test product safety through a combination of toxicological assessments, dermatological patch testing, microbiological testing, stability studies, and regulatory compliance checks. Modern approaches emphasize non-animal methods such as in vitro cell cultures and 3D skin models.

Toxicological & Ingredient Safety Assessment

Before a new cosmetic ever reaches store shelves, scientists start by looking closely at each ingredient. Toxicologists (experts who study how substances affect the body) review existing research to see if an ingredient could cause problems like skin irritation, allergic reactions, genetic damage, or hormone disruption. To guide this process, companies rely on peer‑reviewed resources such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), which regularly publishes safety assessments reviewed by independent experts.

Dermatological Testing

To make sure products won’t cause problems, companies often do simple skin checks:

• Patch testing: A small amount of the product is placed on volunteers’ skin to see if it causes redness, itching, or an allergic reaction.
• Sensitization testing: Scientists look at whether repeated use makes the immune system overreact, leading to stronger irritation over time.
• “Hypoallergenic” claims: If a company says a product is hypoallergenic, that promise has to be backed up by dermatological testing that shows it’s less likely to trigger allergies.

Microbiological Safety Testing

Cosmetics have to be safe from germs like bacteria, yeast, and mold. To check this, companies run two key tests:

• Preservative efficacy testing (PET): Scientists add common microbes to the product on purpose, then watch to make sure the preservatives stop them from growing.
• Microbial limits testing: This test confirms that any tiny amount of natural contamination stays well below safe levels.

Together, these checks ensure your lotion, shampoo, or makeup won’t turn into a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.

Stability & Shelf-Life Testing

Cosmetics have to stay safe while sitting in your bathroom or traveling in your bag. To check this, companies run stability tests, exposing products to heat, humidity, and light to see if they still work properly and don’t break down. They also test the packaging itself, making sure bottles and tubes don’t leak chemicals into the product or cause it to degrade.

Phototoxicity & Specialized Tests

Some cosmetics need extra testing because of how they’re used:

• Sunlight exposure: Products like sunscreens and perfumes are put through phototoxicity tests, which check how they react under UV light to make sure they don’t cause rashes or burns when exposed to the sun.
• Eye products: Mascaras, eyeliners, and other items used near the eyes undergo eye irritation tests to confirm they won’t sting, burn, or damage this sensitive area.

Regulatory Compliance

Cosmetic companies also have to follow strict laws that protect consumers:

• United States (FDA): Companies must prove their products are safe before selling them. One special rule is that color additives (like dyes in makeup) must be specifically approved by the FDA.
• Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA, 2022): This new law gave the FDA more power. Now, cosmetic companies must register their facilities, report serious side effects, and recall unsafe products if needed.
• European Union (EU Regulation EC No. 1223/2009): In Europe, companies must prepare a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) before selling anything. The EU also bans animal testing, so companies use non‑animal methods like lab‑grown skin cells and 3D tissue models to prove safety.

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Disclaimer: The information published on The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

• Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Cosmetics Guidance & Regulation.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019, http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-guidance-regulation.
• Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Product Testing of Cosmetics.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019, http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-science-research/product-testing-cosmetics. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
• “SCCS Notes of Guidance for the Testing of Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Safety Evaluation – 12th Revision – European Commission.” Health.ec.europa.eu, health.ec.europa.eu/publications/sccs-notes-guidance-testing-cosmetic-ingredients-and-their-safety-evaluation-12th-revision_en. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
• Thakur, Sanjeet Kumar. “What Kind of Testing Is Required for Cosmetic Products? A Guide to Ensuring Safety and Quality – AHPL LABS.” AHPL LABS, 7 Mar. 2025, ahpllabs.com/blog-en/what-kind-of-testing-is-required-for-cosmetic-products-a-guide-to-ensuring-safety-and-quality/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
• Upadhyay, Dr Arunkumar. “Cosmetic Product Safety Testing.” Swiss Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Viral Testing Laboratory, ISO Certified | MIS, Swiss Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Viral Testing Laboratory, ISO Certified | MIS, 26 Aug. 2024, microbe-investigations.com/cosmetic-product-safety-testing-methods/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA).” FDA, 1 Nov. 2023, http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/modernization-cosmetics-regulation-act-2022-mocra.