26 Mar 2013

London, UK - Intertek, the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, announces its continued commitment to supporting the cosmetics industry by providing in vitro, in silico and in chemico testing alternatives to animal testing in response to the provisions of the Cosmetic Directive (76/768/EEC).

On 11th March 2013 the complete ban on the sale of cosmetics developed through testing on animals took effect in the EU. It applies to all cosmetics and their ingredients sold in the EU, regardless of where in the world the testing was carried out. This ban means that alternative testing approaches are now even more critical for the development of cosmetic ingredients and for the safety assessment of personal care and beauty products.

Intertek has actively supported cosmetics developers and manufacturers in these areas over the last 3 years by providing a range of in silico, in chemico and in vitro methods, which have been approved by the European Union Reference Laboratory for the Validation of Alternatives Methods (EURL ECVAM). In addition, Intertek provides a variety of alternative, scientifically proven (in silico) methodologies to assess the safety of cosmetic raw materials and finished products.

Robert Fellous, Intertek’s Business Manager for Healthcare & Beauty Products says “With the implementation of this testing ban, health and beauty product companies will have an increased need to seek alternative methodologies to ensure their products are safe and effective. Intertek’s experts are committed to continuously and actively develop and introduce alternative methods to animal testing to support these clients.”

Methodology: in silico, in chemico, in vitro

Intertek's in vitro testing laboratories have established cell based biological and chemical reactivity assay methods for safety and toxicity testing for ingredients and products. Intertek’s suite of scientifically-proven, in silico methodologies facilitate product and ingredient safety assessment using, for example, grouping approaches and ‘read across’ for determining molecular similarity and (Quantitative) Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) taking into account exposure scenario and TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern).

Screening methods to discriminate between sensitizing or non-sensitizing ingredients are currently at an advanced stage of assessment by ECVAM. One such in chemico approach, Direct Peptide Reactivity Assays (DPRA) was implemented by Intertek in 2011 to support clients in their ingredient safety assessment. Other ECVAM validated tests or OECD methods established by Intertek include those for skin irritation, skin corrosion, skin absorption and photo toxicity.

Learn more about Intertek’s cosmetics, beauty and personal care products testing by visiting: https://www.intertek.com/testing/cosmetic/

Contact:

Dr Lorna Kettle, European Marketing and Communications Manager
Intertek Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
Telephone: +44 (0) 161721 1476
lorna.kettle@intertek.com

About Intertek
Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 35,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com.