A safety assessment for a hair care product is a detailed assessment of the product’s safety and packaging. This assessment is conducted to ensure the safety of a hair care product before it is marketed. A qualified safety assessor performs this assessment based on the product dossier containing all required information and documentation on the product provided by the manufacturer. This file is called a Cosmetic Product Information File (PIF).
What is a Cosmetic Product Information File (PIF) for the hair care product?
The Cosmetic Product Information File (PIF) is a comprehensive collection of documentation required for any hair care product. The PIF can be divided into three sections:
Part I: Identification of manufacturer, responsible person, production site
Contains information about the manufacturer and production site, including GMP certification.
Part II: Hair care product information
Contains information about the hair care product, including its composition, raw material documentation, finished product specifications, test results, labeling and packaging.
- Hair care product composition
- Production method
- Product identification (lot or batch no./barcode no./production code etc.).
- Documentation of the raw materials used in the hair care product (TDS, MSDS, CoA, etc.)
- Specifications of the finished product (TDS, CoA, MSDS)
- Laboratory test results (shelf life and compatibility test)
- Packaging Specifications
- Labeling
- Claims
- If there is an undesirable effect / serious undesirable effect, the relevant documents
Part III: Cosmetic product safety report (CPSR) for the hair care product
The CPSR consists of two main parts: Part A and Part B.
Part A – Hair Care Product Safety Information: Summarizes all PIF elements listed above and provides product information.
Part B – Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment: Contains the safety assessor’s conclusions, warnings and justifications that ensure the product is safe under normal use.
- In-depth formula analysis
- Analysis of the composition of your hair care product, including active ingredients, fragrances and preservatives.
- Assessment of the concentration of each ingredient to ensure it is within safe limits.
- Checking ingredients
- Check that all ingredients are permitted according to the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
- Control of source and purity of raw materials.
- Odor Analysis (IFRA) Evaluation of odors according to IFRA standards and the latest allergen regulations.
- Analysis of laboratory test results
- All necessary analysis and documentation to demonstrate the safety of the product.
- Toxicological evaluation
- Assessment of toxicological profiles of the substances used in the hair care product.
- Risk assessment and hazard identification
- Assessment of potential risks based on the proposed application and target population (e.g., baby shampoo or shampoo for sensitive skin).
What products can be evaluated with this safety rating for a hair care product?
This assessment is for hair care products. Here you see an overview where 1 or 3 laboratory tests are required. You can select which laboratory tests you order.
Product group | PIF | CPSR | Microbiological Test | Challenge Test | Stability test |
Shampoo (liquid) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Conditioner (liquid) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hair mask | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hair serum (water-based) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hair oil (without water) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Leave-in conditioner | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Styling Gel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hair mousse | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Dry shampoo (powder) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Hair spray (alcohol base) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Hair Wax / Pomade | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Hair dye | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hair product with water phase | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hair product without water phase | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Hair product with high alcohol content | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
If you make a product that is in an aerosol can or aerosol package you can use the aerosol safety assessment. There are additional rules for this.
This table is indicative. If your product is not listed or if you are not sure, you can always ask us. An additional laboratory test can also be ordered during the safety review. Additional testing or documentation may be required at the direction of the safety assessor.
- Water-phase products require microbiological testing and challenge testing because of the risk of microbial growth.
- Products without a water phase (such as hair oils and dry shampoos) usually only need a stability test.
- Alcohol-based products such as hair sprays are naturally preserved by the alcohol content.
Some hair care products contain water and are prone to microbial growth, necessitating both a microbiological test and a challenge test. Low pH results in microbial risk. You can measure this with a digital pH meter or pH test strips.
The stability test is essential to verify that the hair care product retains its properties during its shelf life.
Cosmetic Product Safety Report for shampoo
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) for shampoo is required to ensure the safety of the product for consumers. The shampoo safety assessment includes an analysis of the ingredients, their concentrations, toxicological profile and expected exposure when used. Specific concerns for shampoo include potential allergens in fragrances and preservatives, as well as pH levels to prevent scalp irritation. An approved CPSR confirms that the shampoo is safe for regular use.
Cosmetic Product Safety Report for Conditioner
Conditioner requires a CPSR to ensure the safety of the product. The conditioner safety assessment analyzes the ingredients and their toxicological profile. Conditioners often contain emollients and moisturizers, the safety of which must be assessed based on frequency of use. The CPSR ensures that the conditioner is safe for use on the scalp and hair lengths.
Cosmetic Product Safety Report for Hair Mask
A hair mask also requires a CPSR to demonstrate the safety of the product. The hair mask safety assessment takes into account the prolonged contact time of the hair mask on the hair and scalp. Ingredients such as oils and actives are analyzed to determine their toxicological profile and safe concentrations. The CPSR confirms that the hair mask is safe for consumers.
What laboratory tests are required?
For a cosmetic safety assessment for a hair care product, the following laboratory tests are essential to comply with European regulations and ensure the safety of the product:
1. Stability test
- Purpose: Determines whether the hair care product remains stable under normal and extreme conditions, such as heat, cold and light exposure. This involves monitoring changes in texture, color, fragrance and action.
- Important for: Ensuring the shelf life and safety of the hair care product over its lifetime.
- How is this tested: Storage of the hair care product at different temperatures for a specified time.
2. Microbiological Test
- Purpose: Checks the microbiological quality of the product. It identifies possible contamination by bacteria, yeasts or fungi that may be harmful to the user.
- Important for: Water-based products or products prone to bacterial growth.
- How is this tested: Aerobic bacterial counts, fungal and yeast analyses.
3. Challenge Test (Preservative Efficacy Test).
- Purpose: Test the effectiveness of preservatives in the product. This is to prevent microorganisms from multiplying during the period of use.
- Important for: Products that have an extended shelf life or are in repeatedly opened containers.
- How is this tested: Simulation of different use scenarios to evaluate the effect of preservatives.
Substantiate its claims with laboratory research
For substantiating cosmetic claims in a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), several hair laboratory tests can be performed. Below is an overview of commonly used tests and their associated claims:
- Anti-dandruff test
Measures the effectiveness of the product in reducing visible dandruff particles on the scalp. This test is conducted under controlled conditions and over an extended period of use. - Strength and Tensile Test
Assesses the resistance of hair fibers to breakage. This is important for substantiating claims such as “strengthens hair” and “reduces hair breakage.” - Sensory Evaluation
Provides insight into how users experience the product. This looks at softness, shine, manageability and overall satisfaction with using the product. - Hair Removal and Epilation Test
Measures the effectiveness of products aimed at removing hair. This can range from temporary hair removal methods to long-term effects. - Comb strength measurement
Analyzes how smoothly the hair can be combed after using the product. This test substantiates claims such as “facilitates combing” and “reduces tangles.” - Breaking Resistance Test
Determines the strength and flexibility of hair fibers. Allows products aimed at hair repair and strengthening to substantiate their claims, such as “increases hair strength” or “protects against hair breakage.”
These tests are done to provide scientific evidence of a cosmetic product’s effectiveness. They ensure that claims are legally tenable and consumers are reliably informed. The prices of these tests are on request, as they depend on several factors such as: ingredients, test group size and combination of multiple claim tests. Please email us for more information.
How does the process work?
- Choosing Assessment
- You purchase the assessment through our website.
- Access to secure Portal
- After purchase, you will gain access to our secure portal where you can complete the intake.
- Complete Intake
- Complete all requested information about your product and upload relevant documentation.
- Send Samples
- Send physical samples of your product to our laboratory. We will tell you exactly what we need for this. The samples can be sent to us free of charge.
- Laboratory tests
- We perform stability test and compatibility test.
- Safety Assessment
- Our safety reviewer prepares the PIF, Part I, II and III.
- EU CPNP notification and documentation delivery
- We will take care of the registration of your product in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) and you will receive the complete PIF documentation from us.
What do you need to apply for a CPSR?
To make the process go smoothly, we need the following information from you:
- Product Formulation: A complete list of ingredients, including concentrations and INCI names.
- Product packaging: Information on packaging and labels.
- Instructions for use: How the product is used by consumers.
- Sample: A physical sample of your product for laboratory analysis.
- Documentation: Certificates of raw materials (e.g., MSDS and COA).
For whom is this service intended?
Our hair care product safety review is specially designed for:
- Manufacturers of hair care products wishing to sell their products in the EU.
- Small business owners offering handmade hair care products.
- Large companies looking to launch a wide range of hair care products.
- DIY makers who want to professionalize their creations.
Why choose our safety assessment for hair care product choose?
- Experienced Safety Assessors: Our safety assessments are conducted by certified professionals with years of experience in the cosmetics industry.
- Quick Turnaround Time: We deliver the CPSR within 10 to 15 business days of receiving all required data.
- Clear Communication: No jargon, but clear explanations throughout the process.
- Customized Recommendations: We provide practical recommendations if your product needs customization.
- Fully Compliance-Focused: Our reports are 100% compliant with European regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is a CPSR valid? A CPSR remains valid as long as the product formulation and other relevant aspects remain unchanged.
- Can I make changes to my product after the CPSR? Yes, but then the CPSR must be revised to ensure that the changes do not affect safety.
- Are there any products that do not require CPSR? No, all hair care products sold within the EU must have a CPSR.
- How do I know if my ingredients are allowed? We help you do this by checking all ingredients based on the latest regulations.
- Can I use ingredients from suppliers other than YouWish? Yes, that’s no problem at all. As long as you have documentation, we can make a safety assessment for you,
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