Driven by fierce global pressures and scrutiny, the cosmetic and personal care industries are under increasing regulatory and consumer focus on product safety and formulation integrity. Even at trace levels, the presence of any illegal or restricted compounds is a major concern to both the consumer and the regulator. Possible adulterants including such harmful solvents (methanol, dioxane), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), formaldehyde releasers, and endocrine disrupting preservatives (parabens, phthalates), may find their way into products as impurities of raw materials and during the manufacturing process. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health outcomes, including sensitization, endocrine disruption, and long-term toxicity, making rigorous preclinical testing essential for protecting public health and safeguarding brand reputation.
Our Hazardous Substance Test Service can assist in providing cosmetic manufacturers, ingredients suppliers, and product developers with the critical analytical testing services they need to be compliant, consumer safe, and globally market ready.
Sample types
We are equipped to analyze a wide range of cosmetic formulations and raw materials, including but not limited to:
- Skin Care: Oils, Lotions, Creams, Gels, Pastes, Salves, Masks
- Makeup: Foundations, Lipsticks, Powders, Eye Shadows
- Hair Care: Shampoos, Conditioners, Sprays, Dyes
- Hygiene: Soaps, Body Washes, Deodorants, Sticks
- Raw Materials and Bulk Ingredients
Testing Services
Our state-of-the-art laboratories utilize advanced analytical techniques like GC-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS to deliver accurate and reliable results. Our core testing profiles include:
| Test Profile |
Description |
| Residual Solvents & Impurities |
Detection of Methanol, 1,4-Dioxane, and other process-related impurities. |
| Asbestos Test |
Ensures talc-based products are free from asbestos contamination. |
| Heavy Metal Determination |
Determination of toxic elements like Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Nickel. |
| Free Formaldehyde Quantification |
Measures formaldehyde content in shampoos, lotions, and preservatives. |
| Phthalate Analysis |
Detects plasticizers with endocrine-disrupting potential. |
| PFAS Screening |
Monitors persistent organic pollutants used in long-lasting formulations. |
| Preservative System Analysis |
Identification and quantification of parabens, phenoxyethanol, and other common preservatives. |
| Nanoparticle Detection |
Assessment of particle size, distribution, and identification of engineered nanoparticles. |
| Antibiotic Residue Screen |
Detection of unauthorized antibiotic agents that may be present in ingredient streams. |
| Fragrance Allergen Analysis |
Determines allergenic fragrance compounds listed by EU SCCS. |
Brief Workflow
Service Advantages
- High-Performance Instrumentation: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, FTIR - sensitivity and specificity is guaranteed
- Flexible Testing Panels: Package testing based on product class, individual markets or customer specifications
- Quick Turnaround & Worldwide Reports: Timely testing & reports in formats recognized by regulatory agencies worldwide
- One-Stop Preclinical Option: Combine with cytotoxicity, irritation and sensitization assays for total cosmetic safety profile
Please contact us to see how we can meet your testing needs and to request your free consultation.
Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Inquiry
For research use only. Not for any other purpose.
Related Services:
