COSMETICS TESTING COSMETICS TESTING COSMETICS TESTING COSMETICS
COSMETICS TESTING
COSMETICS TESTING COSMETICS TESTING COSMETICS TESTING COSMETICS COSMETICS TESTING
THE MAIN COSMETIC LAB TESTS
These are the main tests necessary for your cosmetics products. Tip: it’s best to do one test at a time for the cost of each test is final regardless if the product passes or fails. To save time and money, start with PET testing, then proceed to stability testing. The more simultaneous testing you perform, the faster your product gets launched, but the higher the risk is that one will fail (and therefore all fail) and you’ll need to start over.
PRESERVATIVE EFFICACY TESTING (PET) - ISO 11930
This test is typically ONLY for products that contain water, as most bacteria/yeast/mold cannot survive in an anhydrous environment. Basically, cosmetic lab technicians inject the formula with all sorts of nasty stuff and they wait a while to see if anything grows. No growth means you have a good formula, that will remain unaffected by incidental everyday bacteria/yeast/mold that enter the formula through fingertips or other regular use. Keep in mind that if your formula fails, you’ll have to submit again for the same cost.
PRICE:
$750 per round
TIME:
PPrep (7-14 days) + 4 weeks (28 days) + Reporting (2-7 days)
STABILITY + COMPATIBILITY TESTING
All formulas must go through stability testing to ensure the product keeps its original form despite external factors (temperatures, bacteria, light, etc). You can never quite know what happens to the product from its creation to the palms of the customer! The FDA is quite vague about it, so testing can be faster or slower (or cheaper / more costly!) depending on the formula.
There are many protocol to choose from, but the most basic is 12 weeks at 45C for a 2 year shelf life. You can perform in packaging, in airtight glass, or airtight and light-proof glass (or all three!). The more elaborate the protocol, the more stable you can prove your formula is, but also the more you’ll have to shell out.
PRICE:
$500*-800**, up to $4000
TIME:
8-24 weeks (Average 12)
*in house, 12 week 45C/RT protocol
**protocol above + in-packaging compatibility add-on
SKIN PATCH (RIPT) & OCULAR
These two tests are similar in price, time, and focus: looking for possible allergic reactions. Skin patch (RIPT) focuses on any product that comes in contact with the skin. Ocular focuses on products used in or around the eye. We offer 50-100 per panels, sensitive skin add-ons, and derm sign offs for a fee.
PRICE:
$3000 (50), $5000 (100) +25% sensitive skin, +$1500 derm sign off
TIME
8 Weeks
HEMP TESTING
This test analyzes cannabinoids in products. As a result of a growing hemp beauty industry with a mislabeling history, this test is a must.
PRICE:
$150 for basic hemp testing, $1000+ for full panel (per testing round)
TIME
1-2 Weeks
HEAVY METAL TESTING
This testing determines the amount of residual heavy metals left in the formula. it’s most popular with hemp beauty products and lipsticks. Sing heavy metal, don’t wear it. We also have residual solvent and pesticide testing available upon request ($).
PRICE:
$300 per test
TIME
2-4 Weeks
GENIE SUPPLY TESTING
Though we go by ISO protocols, we are not an officially ISO accredited testing lab. The difference is that most testing labs are ISO accredited solely to perform testing, so if it matters, ask us. We can arrange your testing in an ISO lab. In the beauty world, fast results matter. So, we perform basic tests to help give more information faster, so that you can make the appropriate moves with your company.
This is another optional test that we offer! pH levels are important in skincare. Check out our blog post for a full rundown.
Price: Included with orders, $30 a la carte
Time: 1-3 days
pH TESTING
This testing is less about the underlying formula and more about the manufacturing process. USP 61/62 testing ensures that the formula was not contaminated during production, or any time leading up to filling. *We perform this in an ISO facility.
Price: Included with orders, $100 a la carte
Time: 2 weeks
USP 61 AND 62 TESTING*
For the basics (45C / RT at 12 weeks) this test is $500 a la carte. We perform intermittent rapid testing (no report) for custom formulating clients at no charge.
Price: $500
Time: 12-16 weeks
IN-HOUSE STABILITY TESTING
Every main or optional test listed above is offered through 3rd party ISO accredited labs. The prices above are most accurate.
ANYTHING ELSE?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Whether you’re private labeling or custom formulating, your cosmetic may need some sort of testing. use this quiz to help determine what you need.
