Challenge Tests

We use a wide variety of protocols for benchmark tests on cosmetics to evaluate the antimicrobial protection of a cosmetic product. Our experienced scientists determine the best and most cost-effective benchmark test for your needs.

EP or USP 51 test

European Pharmacopoeia (EP) and United States Pharmacopoeia 51 (USP 51) reference standards include forcing cosmetics in the final container wherever possible. They use a prescribed vaccine of suitable microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Candida albicans, Aspergilus brasiliensis).

Scanning is done as follows:

• Storage of the inoculated preparation at a prescribed temperature.
• Withdrawing samples from the container at regular intervals.
• To count the organisms in the samples taken.

Conclusions
Results can be obtained within 35 days.

The protective properties of the preparation are suitably sufficient in the case of a significant decrease or no increase in the number of microorganisms in the inoculated preparation, the prescribed temperatures and time.

Minimum sample amount
100g

ISO 11930 test

ISO 11930 Cosmetics - Microbiology - Evaluation of the antimicrobial protection of a cosmetic product is a reference method used to evaluate the protection of a cosmetic formulation.

For each test microorganism, it contains:

• Contacting the formulation with the calibrated vaccines (20 g test formulation, 0.2 ml calibrated vaccines).
• Periodic measurement of the number of microorganisms surviving over a 28-day period.
• Storage of inoculation formulation containers at (22.5 ± 2.5 ° C).
• Ten-fold dilution in a row using a plate counting method.
• For each time and strain, the log reduction value is calculated and compared with the minimum values ​​required for the evaluation criteria A or B.

Conclusions
Results can be obtained within 35 days.

Minimum sample amount
100g

Revaccination Protocol Test

The revaccination protocol is similar to the EP reference standard. Samples are re-inoculated on day 7. Observations are repeated after the prescribed time. The test is extended for 7 days.

Conclusions
Results can be obtained within 42 days.

Minimum sample amount
100g

Mixed Culture

The multi-strain in-house mixed culture test is designed to simulate a retention period following a single vaccination.

The test consists of:

• Division of several standard strains into bacteria, yeast and mold categories.
• Test your preparation with a mixture of strains.

Conclusions
Results can be obtained within 42 days.

Readings are reported for each strain. Under the conditions under which the test is carried out, if there is a significant decrease or no increase, as specified by the EP criteria, the protective properties of the preparation are sufficient.

Minimum sample amount
100g

Wipe Protocol Test

Sample preparation is a critical issue in wet wipes.

Wet wipe re-contamination includes:

• Contaminating wet wipe subsamples with each of the 5 reconstructed strains individually.
• Testing each sub-sample for microbial count at each subinterval (0 time, 2 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days).
• Evaluation of daily reduction.
• The remainder of the test conforms to the EP reference standard.

Conclusions
Results can be obtained within 35 days.

Minimum sample amount
100g

How do we report results?
We give intermediate results for all the new cosmetic products we test. This aids your R&D decision-making so your products can reach the market faster.

Real time reporting
Because tight R&D times are applied, it is very important to evaluate the protection effectiveness when new cosmetic products are developed and released to the market. As soon as we receive a new product for testing, we plan our test tests. This minimizes delivery time. During the scanning process, you receive real-time preliminary reports on intermediate readings. In some cases, we offer a 24-hour courier service.

Emergency delivery reporting
If you need your test results urgently, we can perform a quick scan within 14 days.

Why test tests are important ?

Before the market launch, cosmetics must be tested by accredited laboratories to ensure they are suitable for customers' use as specified in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. In order for a cosmetic product to be placed on the market, a responsible person must be appointed for that product within the EU. 

According to the Guidance Notes published by the Consumer Products Scientific Committee (SCCP) of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Protection, “The person responsible must empirically guarantee the effectiveness of the testing of their products. However, as there is no legal or universal challenge testing method available, it is up to the person responsible to decide the details of the test to use. "

EUROLAB, with its highly expert team and internationally accredited laboratories, Challenge Tests It performs all test, analysis, measurement, evaluation and report generation services completely and reliably.