Why do Cosmetics in the EU need to be lab-tested?
Legal background
Proper testing not only protects your brand from legal risk but also ensures your product is genuinely safe, stable, and compliant with EU Regulation. Each individual product should have the necessary elements of a Safety Assessment. Laboratory testing is a legal requirement for all cosmetic products sold in the EU.
Without proper lab testing, manufacturers risk serious consequences.
- Product bans or rejected market entry across the EU
- Incomplete or invalid PIF and Safety Assessment Report (SAR)
- Delayed CPNP notification
- Fines, product recalls, or public safety alerts
- Brand reputation damage
- Risks for consumers
Our services
How we facilitate fast and compliant Cosmetic Product Testing
At Obelis, we simplify the testing process by connecting you with our trusted laboratory partners. We guide through the necessary tests based on your product type, ingredients, and intended use. From patch testing to microbiological safety and stability studies, we manage the process for you from start to finish. By coordinating directly with accredited labs, we ensure that your results are delivered on time, correctly formatted, and suitable for inclusion in your PIF and Safety Assessment Report. This saves you both time and money, while ensuring your compliance documentation meets all EU requirements.
To simplify your lab testing for cosmetic products, get in touch to learn about our fast, accurate, and EU-compliant testing services.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cosmetic lab testing is essential to ensure the safety, stability, and regulatory compliance of your product before it enters the EU market. Under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, lab tests such as microbiological analysis, stability testing, and preservative efficacy (Challenge Test) are mandatory components of the Product Information File (PIF). These tests verify that the product is safe for human use and support the Safety Assessor’s final evaluation.
Yes, all cosmetic products must undergo relevant lab testing before being placed on the EU market. Testing requirements may vary depending on the product’s formulation and intended use, but every product must demonstrate safety through appropriate testing and documentation. This is a regulatory obligation and a foundational part of the PIF and Safety Assessment Report (SAR).
The duration of cosmetic testing depends on the specific tests required and the complexity of the product. Basic microbiological and patch tests may take a few days, while stability and preservative efficacy testing (Challenge Test) can take several weeks or months. Obelis helps streamline the timeline by working with accredited laboratories and ensuring efficient coordination of the entire process.
Starting with Obelis is simple. We evaluate your product and determine the necessary tests based on its composition and claims. Then, we coordinate directly with trusted, accredited lab partners to perform the testing. We also ensure your results are properly formatted for your PIF and Safety Assessment Report, helping you stay fully compliant and move forward with confidence. Contact us today to begin your testing process.
