How is the safety of cosmetics assessed?

Cosmetics have to go through a number of rigorous procedures before they can be allowed to be sold. Let’s learn about the process of assessing their safety, which is so important for consumers.

Cosmetics in the European Union are assessed in two stages. The first level of evaluation is ingredients. The second level of safety is the assessment of the manufactured product by a safety assessor before the cosmetic product is placed on the market. The second level of safety is the assessment of the manufactured product by a safety assessor before the cosmetic product is placed on the market.

Cosmetics safety assessment

The European Commission and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) are responsible for the safety of the ingredients. Independent toxicologists assess the safety of all ingredients for which there is reasonable doubt and those that are regulated by law. This group of ingredients includes: dyes and UV filters, preservatives and other substances used in cosmetics to a limited extent. What is the process for assessing the safety of ingredients? The expert committee analyses research results, scientific publications and other information in order to provide an independent opinion, which is suggested by the European Commission.

Safety assessment of cosmetic

The safety assessment of manufactured product consists of: toxicological characteristics, chemical structure of ingredients, microbiological quality, results of dermatological tests and product stability tests, etc. The completed Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment Report is part of the documentation that is subject to control by supervisory authorities. The most important aspect of cosmetic evaluation is the analysis of toxicological data. The safety assessment is the responsibility of a safety assessor who has specialized higher education, knowledge of the law and experience in the field of toxicology, pharmacy, chemistry, medicine, cosmetology and other related fields.

Let's get to know the stages of cosmetics safety assessment:

1. Evaluation of the legal compliance of the product formulation,
2. Toxicological evaluation of cosmetic ingredients,
3. Exposure assessment or otherwise an assessment of exposure,
4. Risk assessment of cosmetic ingredients,
5. Evaluation of the test results of the manufactured cosmetic,
6. Assessment of undesirable effects,
7. Safety assessment of the manufactured cosmetic product.