Challenge test

In order to prepare a report on the safety of a cosmetic product, it is necessary to perform certain tests.

What tests are needed to do a safety assessment is a very complex process. It is determined on a case by case basis. Not all products are the same. A lot depends on the claims you make on your declaration.

Challenge test

Why do you need a Challenge Test?

The cosmetic Challenge test, also known as the Preservation Efficacy Test, is an important part of the PIF. It is also very important as a reference when creating the CPSR (Safety Assessment).

The Challenge test is not the same as microbiological testing of the preparation. The Challenge test checks how effective the cosmetic product's preservative system is and whether it is capable of withstanding various types of contamination during production, from the environment or during use of the product itself during its shelf life. Each manufacturer is obliged to ensure that his product is safe during the shelf life and application, including from the point of view of microbiology.

What is the Challenge test based on?

The challenge test is based on monitoring the presence of different pathogens in the cosmetic product when it is manufactured, followed by inoculation of the cosmetic product with different strains of microorganisms. The remaining concentration of these microorganisms is then determined after 7, 14 and 28 days. A product is considered to have passed the preservative efficacy test if fungal concentrations do not increase during the test period and if bacterial concentrations are sufficiently reduced by day 14 and do not increase from that time until the end of the test.

The test is done in accredited laboratories. We send samples for testing to accredited laboratories with which we cooperate.

Is the Challenge test required for all products?

A challenge test is not required for certain types of cosmetic products. Cosmetic products that fall under low-risk products may be exempted from this testing. When the probability that the product can be contaminated is very low or none, it is not necessary to do the Challenge test.

What are these products:

1. Products that do not contain water
2. Highly acidic product pH (below 3) or highly alkaline pH (above 10)
3. Alcohol content: products with more than 20% alcohol are microbiologically safe
4. Products packaged under pressure, with bottles with dosing pumps or in single-dose packaging
5. If the product is filled at a temperature higher than 65° C

In any case, during the Safety Assessment, it must be explained in detail why the Challenge test was not performed.
Not sure if you need to take the Challenge test? Contact us to see if you need to do a Challenge test for your products.