Certification and Registration
Cosmetic Testing in the UK and the EU
Category:
Cosmetics
Overview of Cosmetic Regulation in the European Union and the United Kingdom
As the global cosmetics regulatory framework continues to evolve, the EU and UK markets have established increasingly stringent requirements for product safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance. Since the implementation of the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the European market has developed a comprehensive regulatory system covering product notification, labeling requirements, ingredient control, and safety assessment. Following Brexit, the United Kingdom has established an independent regulatory framework while maintaining a high degree of alignment with EU cosmetic regulations.
EU Cosmetic Regulation Requirements
Cosmetic products placed on the European Union (EU) market must comply with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products and its subsequent amendments. Only products meeting these requirements may be marketed within the EU and its member states. The main regulatory requirements include the following six areas:
(1) Responsible Person Responsibilities and Obligations
Before a cosmetic product is placed on the EU market, a Responsible Person must be designated within the European Union. For imported cosmetics, the importer is considered the Responsible Person by default unless another party is formally designated. The Responsible Person is responsible for ensuring product safety, preparing the Product Information File (PIF), completing product notification, monitoring and reporting adverse effects, and initiating product recalls when necessary.
(2) Raw Material Control
Cosmetic products must comply with the lists of prohibited, restricted, and permitted substances specified in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
(3) Label Management
Cosmetic product labels must comply with the requirements specified in Article 19 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
(4) Safety Requirements
All cosmetic products placed on the EU market must undergo a safety assessment and have a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) prepared before being marketed.
(5) Product Notification
Before placing a cosmetic product on the market, the Responsible Person must submit product information through the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) of the European Union.
(6) Post-Market Surveillance
In the event of serious undesirable effects, the Responsible Person and distributors must promptly report the relevant information to competent authorities and notify other member states. If product quality issues or potential safety risks are identified, the Responsible Person must take appropriate corrective actions, including product recall when necessary.
UK Cosmetics Regulatory Requirements
From 1 January 2021, all cosmetic products placed on the Great Britain (GB) market must comply with the UK Cosmetics Regulation (UKCR), based on Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as retained in UK law, and the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013. The competent authority is the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). Before a product is placed on the market, it must be notified through the UK cosmetic product notification system. The Responsible Person must be established in the UK, and the product safety assessment report must be prepared by a qualified safety assessor recognized in the UK.
Definitions of Cosmetics in the European Union and the United Kingdom
According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and UK cosmetic regulations, cosmetics are defined as substances or mixtures intended to be applied to external parts of the human body, such as the skin, hair, nails, lips, or teeth and oral mucosa. Their primary functions are cleansing, perfuming, protecting, maintaining good condition, improving appearance, or correcting body odors.
Cosmetic products mainly include:
⬤ Cleansing products, shampoos, body washes
⬤ Face masks, hair masks, body exfoliating products
⬤ Moisturizers, sunscreens, toners, and lotions
⬤ Hair oils, body lotions, lip balms, hair serums
⬤ Lipsticks, eyeshadows, liquid foundations
Cosmetic Testing Services in the European Union and the United Kingdom
(1) Product Testing
Packaging material testing (94/62/EC and alternative requirements under Regulation (EU) 2025/40)
Microbial contamination testing
Preservative challenge testing
Hazardous substance testing
Preservative testing
Product stability testing
Compatibility testing between products and packaging materials
Child-resistant packaging testing
In vitro testing (alternative methods to animal testing)
(2) Clinical Efficacy Evaluation
Whitening , sunscreen efficacy (SPF, PFA), waterproof performance, repair , soothing,anti-wrinkle ,firming , nourishing, Oil control , moisturizing,exfoliation, long-lasting performance, cleansing efficacy, and other cosmetic efficacy evaluations.
(3) Human Safety Testing
Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT)
Human Patch Test (24/48 hours)
Human Clinical Safety Evaluation
Sensitive skin compatibility assessment
(4) Label and Ingredient Review
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Review
UK Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EU Cosmetic Label Review
UK Cosmetic Label Review
Plastic Microbead Ingredient Review
(5) Safety Risk Assessment
European Union Cosmetic Product Safety Report (EU CPSR)
UK Cosmetic Product Safety Report (UK CPSR)
(6) Document Dossier
European Union Product Information File (EU PIF)
UK Product Information File (UK PIF)
(7) Chemical Safety
Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
(8) Cargo Transportation Safety
Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification (Air, Sea, Road, Rail)
(9) Market claim
ALLERGY UK certification by the British Allergy Foundation
SATISFY specializes in cosmetic testing, regulatory research, and compliance services. Our expertise covers major global markets, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, ASEAN countries, and China. We provide customized efficacy assessments, regulatory consulting, safety evaluations, and testing solutions tailored to the requirements of different countries and regions. For more information, please contact SATISFY customer service.
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