Complete microbiological testing for cosmetics
Whether you need a standard preservative efficacy test for regulatory compliance or a bespoke antimicrobial screening programme for R&D — we have the capabilities, standards, and expertise to support you.
The cornerstone of cosmetic microbiology compliance. PET — also known as challenge testing — determines whether the preservative system in your finished product is effective enough to protect consumers against microbial contamination throughout the product's shelf life.
We conduct PET to all major international standards including ISO 11930:2019 (EU), EP 5.1.3 (Europe/UK), USP <51> (USA), PCPC M-3 (North America), and BIS IS 4011 (India).
Determines the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial ingredient or preservative that inhibits visible microbial growth. Essential for formulation development, preservative optimisation, and comparing the efficacy of alternative antimicrobial actives.
MIC testing is particularly valuable for ingredient manufacturers seeking to demonstrate the activity profile of new preservative compounds or natural antimicrobial extracts.
A quantitative suspension test that measures the rate and extent of antimicrobial kill over time. Time-Kill tests provide dynamic killing kinetics data — showing not just whether a preservative works, but how quickly it works across a defined time course.
Ideal for active ingredient claims support, biocide evaluation, and preservative blend optimisation during formulation development.
A rapid qualitative screen for antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion method. ZOI testing provides a quick, cost-effective initial assessment of whether an ingredient or formulation demonstrates antimicrobial properties before investing in full quantitative testing.
Commonly used in early R&D screening, natural ingredient evaluation, and for generating preliminary claims data.
Enumeration of the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, and moulds present in cosmetic raw materials and finished products. TVC testing is fundamental to quality control, batch release, and demonstrating compliance with microbiological limits specified in regulatory standards.
We offer TVC testing for both raw material qualification and finished product QC, with results reported as CFU/g or CFU/mL.
Comprehensive stability testing programmes designed to determine the physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of cosmetic formulations under defined storage conditions. We offer real-time, accelerated, and stress testing protocols.
Stability data supports shelf-life claims, packaging compatibility assessments, and is an essential component of the Product Information File (PIF) required under EU and Indian cosmetic regulations.
Supporting analytical tests
Complementary physical and chemical tests to support full formulation characterisation alongside microbiological testing.
Accurate pH measurement of cosmetic formulations — a key parameter influencing both product stability and preservative efficacy.
Viscosity measurement for creams, lotions, gels, and serums — supporting stability and texture characterisation across storage conditions.
Measurement of free water availability in a formulation — a critical parameter for predicting microbial growth risk and guiding preservation strategy.
Conductivity measurement of process water and purified water used in cosmetic manufacturing to ensure quality standards are met.
Compilation and review support for the mandatory Product Information File required for cosmetics placed on the Indian and EU markets.
Provision of microbiological test data and documentation to support Cosmetic Product Safety Reports for EU and UK regulatory compliance.