Cosmetic Products Prohibited and Controlled Ingredients Testing
Manufacturers, distributors and importers of personal care and beauty products must satisfy the regulations and guidelines for the control of contaminants and ingredients in products, as detailed in the EU Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC).
Intertek offers cost effective testing programs in accordance with official European methodology to meet our client’s individual needs. Services include screening and testing of products for substances on the prohibited substances list, substances that can be used only in specified circumstances and the approved substances list as detailed in the Cosmetics Directive’s second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh annexes. Routine analysis services are available for a range of common contaminants including:
N-Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA):
Traces of nitrosamine may result from the use of amines and amino derivatives as ingredients, e.g. di & triethanolamine; or the nitrosation of amines present in finished product. Under certain conditions, nitrosation of di-ethanolamine yields the nitrosamine, N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) which is a potent carcinogen.
Determination of NDELA:Approved Methodology (ISO 10130): HPLC with post column derivatisation.
Free Formaldehyde Quantification:
Formaldehyde and related substances which liberate formaldehyde are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products and approved in the Directive however the presence of free formaldehyde in a product is restricted. Approved Methodology: HPLC with post column derivatisation.
1,4-Dioxane Quantification: Although its use is banned, 1,4-Dioxane can be generated during the manufacture of ethoxylated surfactants, e.g. SLES, commonly found in shampoos and bath products. Approved Methodology: Headspace GC-MS.
Heavy Metals Determination: Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead and other heavy metals are banned from use in cosmetic products. However, they are naturally occurring elements and minute traces may be carried into the product during manufacture. Approved Methodology: Appropriate pre-treatment and ICP-OES or ICP-MS
Parabens and Phenoxyethanol:
Parabens and Phenoxyethanol are well known and accepted preservatives in cosmetics and have been in use for over 50 years. Use of these substances is approved and controlled by the EU Directive. Approved Methodology: HPLC
26 Fragrance Allergens:
Labelling the presence of 26 fragrance allergens in cosmetic products is a legal requirement of the EU Directive (Appendix 2); specifically 0.001% for leave-on products and 0.01% for rinse-off products. Approved Methodology: GC-MS
Cosmetics Testing Services
Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Cosmetic Products Prohibited and Controlled Ingredients Testing.