Qatar
India
UK
Our Cosmetic Testing and analysis services ensures effective, safe and high-quality beauty and personal care products right from the selection of raw materials to the final product while full filling all the regulatory parameters. Our aim is to make your entire journey of cosmetic and personal care products manufacturing smooth and without any hitch our scientists and experts use high grade technology to analyse different cosmetic products to ensure that products are free from contaminants and intact with quality and appropriate formulate. We ensure your products fulfil all the national and international regulatory requirements. Various cosmetic testing procedure to ensure product quality are microbiological testing to guarantee that the product is free from any harmful bacteria, toxicology, and stability testing to evaluate cosmetic goods for stability to see if they will keep their function, physical, chemical, and microbiological features during than shelf life, performance testing.
We are leaders in clinical testing for safety, efficiency and claim substantiation, support testing for personal care products. To endure your personal care products safety-contact METS Lab today.
Our cosmetic testing lab has been working with the cosmetic industry for many different applications and routinely supports the leading cosmetics brands with a variety of services such as –
Over the years we have tested all the possible kinds of products and have developed expertise and a repository of standardized methods and equipment’s for cosmetic testing. Some of the products we routinely test in our cosmetic testing lab are given below –
Hair Care
Active detergent matter content (%)
Active detergent matter is a percentage that represents the concentration of the surfactant. Surfactants added to detergent for allowing the detergent to mix in water, helping cleaning agents remove dirt from the surface being cleaned. There are 4 types of surfactants -nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric. Shampoos usually contain around 10-15% total active matter depending on hair type (lower end for very dry or ethnic hair and higher end for oily hair). ISO 2870:2009, ISO 2871-1:2010, ISO 2871-2:2010, ISO 2271:1989, ASTM D6173, ASTM D1681-05, GSO 1894, GSO 2063, GSO 2161, GSO 2234, GSO 2555 are some of the standards which recommended the method for the determination of active detergent content in shampoos and conditioners.
Matter insoluble in alcohol (%)
The alcohol-insoluble matter will contain most of the alkali salts such as carbonates, borates, silicates, and phosphates as well as sulfates and starch. The limit for alcohol-insoluble matter is maximum 90%. GSO 1943, ISO 673:1981, SASO 298/ 2000.
pH
pH scale of natural hair range between 4.5 to 5.5, so the ideal pH of shampoo and conditioner should be closer to 5.5 to 3.5. More acidic products will shrink the hair cuticles while alkaline products will open the hair cuticle. The drastic changes in pH had significant damage in hair cuticle and cortex; moreover, it leads to breakage, frizz, hair porosity and skin irritation. GSO 395:2011 stipulates the method for the determination of pH of shampoo and conditioner.
Antibacterial activity
Medicated shampoos especially antidandruff shampoos are responsible for antibacterial and anti-fungal activities by incorporating chemicals like triclosan, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione etc. Generally, shampoo was tested against three selected fungal species (Candida spp, Aspergillus spp, Malassezia globosa) and two bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). USFDA BAM Chapter 23 and GSO 1943 recommended the test methods for the determination of antibacterial activity in shampoos. ISO 21150, ISO 18416.
Viscosity measurement
The viscosity of shampoo is an imperative property which determines how the shampoo spreads and lathers on the hair. It has been greatly influenced by the concentration of surfactants, presence of conditioning agents, and the storage temperature. The viscosity of shampoo can be performed according to the standard methods ASTM D2196-10 and SASO 2919. For a regular shampoo the viscosity ranges from 1000 – 5000 cP. It varies for other shampoo types including clarifying shampoo (500-200cP), anti-dandruff shampoo (1000-4000 cP) , color-protecting shampoo (1000 – 5000 cP). ISO 3219:1993, DIN 53019.
Moisture and Volatile Matter
In a liquid shampoo, water plays the major role as it makes up 80% of the shampoo by weight. On average, water makes up 80% of the shampoo by weight. Conventional analysis starts with the determination of moisture and volatile matter because the difference between these two parameters provide the content of organic solvent and perfumes. GSO 395:2011 specifies the requirement for the determination of moisture and volatile matter of shampoo and conditioner. EAS 960 and GSO 883 stipulates the procedure for determining volatile matter in shampoo while SASO 724 recommended the test method for the determination of moisture.
Toxic chemicals including volatile organic compounds and allergens in hair care products :
The potentially hazardous chemicals are detected in cosmetic products even today because they may be carried to the product as contaminants or by products of manufacturing process or sometimes it has been incorporated intentionally. Fragrance has been reported as the most common allergen in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. The detection of such toxic components is vital for various regulatory frameworks which is mandatory across the globe and to ensure consumer safety. Sophisticated, sensitive, accurate and robust instrumentation is required for the detection of these toxic chemicals. METs employed analytical instruments including LC-MS/MS/MS, HPLC-coupled with RID/DAD/ Fluorescence detectors, GC-FID, GC-MS, ICP-OES/AES, IC for the detection of the same based on ISO, ASTM and the validated in-house procedures
Some of the commonly used toxic chemicals in hair care products are listed below:
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) and ammonium lauryl sulfate, Parabens, Phthalates, Polyethylene Glycols, Formaldehyde, Triclosan, Dimethicone, Retinyl palmitate, Alcohol, Fragrances, Colors, Toluene, Selenium sulfide, Quaternium-15, Hydroquinone, Mineral Oil, Coal Tar, Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), Polyethylene Glycols (PEG), Benzene, Resorcinol, Ammonia, Para-toluenediamine (PTD), Titanium Dioxide, Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs), Nirosoamines, Oxalic acid, Catechol, Minoxidil, Zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine and climbazole.
Bath Products
pH
Shower gels with variable pH makes the skin dry and flaky which may lead to acne or eczema. A pH balanced product makes the body to maintain healthy and stay moisturized and hydrated. pH of the shower gel should be in the range of 4.5-9 for adults and 5.0-9.0 for babies. GSO 1202, SASO 2919, EAS 847-20 are some of the standards recommended for pH determination.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers prevent bacterial growth in skin care products, but its prolonged exposure can affect adverse health issues from sensory irritation to severe reactions like breathing difficulties, asthma, and in some cases, even the risk of cancer. We adopt international standards including GSO 1894, GSO 2063, GSO 2161, GSO 2234, GSO 2555, SASO 2803 for the evaluation of formaldehyde.
Total active detergent matter content
Active surfactant matter is the amount of actives/concentration found in the surfactant. Body washes or shower gels usually contain around 15-20% total active matter. ISO 2870, ISO 2871-1, ISO 2871-2 are the stipulated test methods for the same.
Lather volume
Lathering up with a shower gel and water is an effective way to clean the skin by removing the dirt or dead skin cells. Lather volume for 1% solution should be minimum of 110 ml after 5 minutes. EAS 847-20 recommended the test method for lather volume.
Antimicrobial activity
Total viable count for aerobic mesophyllic microorganisms CFU/g or CFU/ml, maximum for the shower gel product should be 100. While Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli should not be detected in 1 ml or 1 g of cosmetic product. The international standards we follow are ISO 21149, ISO 22717, ISO 22718, ISO 18416 and ISO 21150.
Heavy metal contaminants- lead, arsenic, mercury
The limits of heavy metals should be maximum 10 mg/kg for lead and 2 mg/kg for arsenic and mercury. EAS 847-20 recommended the procedure for the heavy metal contaminants for shower gels.
Dispersion Stability
More than these conventional testings, innovative test methods are also there, which includes dispersion stability. Dispersion Stability can be evaluated by employing rotational rheometer.
Some of the paramaeter for testing in bath oils and washes includes silicate (GSO 152/2007), Chloride (GSO 1095), pH (GSO 1943), phosphate test ISO 4313-1976 and total active matter
For bar soaps, moisture (AOCS Da 2a- 48), total fatty matter content (AOCS Db 10- 48), total free alkali (AOCS Db 3- 48), total free caustic alkali content (AOCS Db 3- 48), chloride content (AOCS Db 7- 48) and unsaponified and saponifiable matter (AOCS Da 11- 42), ethanol insoluble matter content (AOCS Db 2-48), total fatty acids (ISO 685) are the significant parameters to be tested.
Liquid soaps are tested for the parameters- free alkali (< 0.05%), total soap (< 20%), alkaline salts (<0.3%), sulphates (absent), sugar (absent), chloride (<0.3%).
The common test requisite for foam soaps are volatile matter (<34%), free alkali (<0.1%), alkaline salts (<0.5%), sugar (absent), rosin (absent), chloride (<1%), matter insoluble in water (<0.1%). Commonly used parameters and corresponding test methods are tabulated below.
| Parmeters | Test methods |
| Moisture and volatile matter content | SASO GSO 877, ISO 672, GSO 1944, GSO ISO 672, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1942, SASO GSO 1944, SASO GSO 2172 |
| Chloride content | SASO 2058, GSO 1095, GSO 2240, SASO 492, SASO 2058, GSO 1095, ISO 457, SASO GSO 877, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894, SASO GSO 2172 |
| Soap content | GSO 152/2007, GSO 391:1994, GSO 2018 |
| Non-ionic surface-active agent | GSO 152/2007, GSO 391:1994 |
| Sodium carbonate | GSO 152/2007, GSO 391:1994 |
| rinsing properties test | GSO 152/2007, GSO 391:1994 |
| brightening agents | GSO 152/2007, GSO 391:1994 |
| Saponified and Unsaponified Matter | GSO 1098, SASO 492, SASO 2058, ISO 1067, SASO GSO 877, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894, SASO GSO 1942, SASO GSO 2172 |
| Water Insoluble Matter | GSO 1098, GSO 1944, SASO 492, SASO 2058, SASO GSO 1110, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894, SASO GSO 1942, SASO GSO 2172 |
| Ethanol insoluble matters | GSO 1098, GSO 1944, GSO 2242, SASO 492, SASO 2242, ISO 673, SASO GSO 877, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894, SASO GSO 1944, SASO GSO 2172 |
| Acid number of the fatty acids | GSO 1098, ISO 685, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894 |
| Acid value | GSO 1218 |
| Peroxide Value | GSO 1218 |
| Total fatty matter | GSO 1944, ISO 685, SASO GSO 877, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1942, SASO GSO 1944, SASO GSO 2172 |
| Free alkali content | GSO 1944, SASO GSO 1894, GSO 2018, ISO 684, SASO GSO 877, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894 |
| Glycerine content | GSO 1945:2009 |
| Alkyl aryl sulphonates | GSO 2239 |
| Sulphate | GSO 2240 |
| Anionic active matter | ASTM D1681-05 |
| Rosin acid | SASO GSO 1894, GSO 1098, SASO GSO 1894, SASO GSO 1942 |
| Storage stability | GSO 1894 |
| Free alkali and free acid | SASO GSO 1894, ISO 456, ISO 684, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1942, SASO GSO 1944, SASO GSO 2172 |
| Free fatty acid | GSO 2018 |
| pH | GSO ISO 4316, SASO GSO 1110, SASO GSO 1894 |
| Borax | SASO GSO 1894 |
| Metal Analysis | SASO GSO 1943, GSO 152, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894, SASO GSO 1942 |
| 1,4 Dioxane | SASO GSO 1943 |
| Lard or lard derivatives | SASO GSO 877, SASO GSO 1786, SASO GSO 1894, SASO GSO 1942 |
| Miscibility | SASO GSO 1894 |
| Total Bacterial content | SASO GSO 1894 |
| Yeast | SASO GSO 1894 |
| Molds | SASO GSO 1894 |
Skin & Body
The cream, lotion, scrubs or gel shall be free from visible impurities which are not part of the intrinsic formulation of the product. The products should pass the test for antibacterial activity and shall not contain hydroquinone (SASO 2185, GSO 692:1997, GSO 1152, GSO 1943) corticosteroids and hydrogen peroxide (SASO 2185, GSO 152/2007, GSO 205/1994, GSO 1154/2002, GSO 1155/2002).
Allergens- GSO 1046:2021/ GC-MS/GSO 1943 28 Allergen in Cosmetic in Cosmetic Products/Perfumes/Creams/Lotion and personal care Products
Ethanol- GSO 1047:2021 Ethanol in Perfumes/Cosmetic and personal care Products
Methanol- GSO 1047:2021 Methanol in Perfumes/Cosmetic and personal care Products
Phthalates- GSO 1152-Phthalates in Cosmetic Products/Creams/Lotion
Heavy metals - GSO 1943, ASTM D1681-05, GSO 395, GSO 458, GSO 1894, GSO 2063, GSO 2161, GSO 2234, GSO 2555, GSO ISO 2271, ISO 2268, SASO 825, SASO 2803, SASO 2933
Toxic chemicals determined
Fragrance, Retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinoic acid and retinol, Synthetic colorants, Parabens, Benzoyl peroxide, Hydroquinone, Petroleum, Xylene, Toluene, Mineral oil, Liquid paraffin, Sodium lauryl sulfate, BHA, Polyethylene/PEGs
The commonly employed tests for the parameters and the corresponding test methods are tabulated below:
| pH | GSO 1202, SASO 2919 |
| Rancidity | GSO 1896/SASO 1871 |
| Stability test | GSO 1896/SASO 1871 |
| Moisture | SASO 1895 |
| Water insoluble matter | SASO 1895 |
| Ethanol insoluble matter | SASO 1895 |
| Microbiology (ISO 11930:2019, | |
| Candia albicans | SASO-GSO 1743, ISO 18416:2015, |
| E-coli | SASO-GSO 1943, ISO 21150:2015 |
| Total bacterial count | SASO-GSO 1943/ USFDA BAM CHP 23 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | SASO-GSO 1943/ USFDA BAM CHP 23/ ISO 22718:2015 |
| Yeast & Mould | SASO-GSO 1943/ USFDA BAM CHP 23/ ISO 16212:2017 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | SASO-GSO 1943/ USFDA BAM CHP 23, ISO 22717:2015 |
| Needle probe penetration test | ASTM D1321-10/ ASTM D937-07(2019) |
| Sun protection factor (SPF) | ISO 24443:2012 |
| Melting point | ASTM D127 |
| Flash Point Test | ASTM D93 |
| Lipstick wear assay | ASTM D3359 |
| Heavy metal content | SASO 1895 |
Tests other than conventional tests are bending test, lip stick cohesion test, gloss measurement, cycle count test, rheological studies, sensory evaluation
Toxic chemicals detected
Exfoliating is the process of eliminating the dead skin cells from the outmost surface layer of the skin which can either be mechanical or chemical. Dermoscopy, stratum corneum turnover time, shedding protein quantitative method, cell counting and histologic observation are the methods employed for the evaluating the efficacy of exfoliation process. The toxic chemicals detected in these class of cosmetics are phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, synthetic fragrances, alcohol, triclosan, salicylic acid, polyethylene (PEGs), BHA, formaldehyde
Skin lightening products encompass of bleaching product, acne & anti-aging products; aid to lighten the skin tone of dark and light-skinned individuals without fade freckles, acne or age spots. The common tests for skin lightening products are acid value (GSO 1943, GSO 1155/2002, GSO 1154/2002), peroxide value (GSO 1943, GSO 1155 Section 8.0, GSO 1218, GSO 427, GSO 16:1984), pH (GSO 1202, SASO 2919), 1,4 Dioxane (GSO 1894), hydrogen peroxide (GSO 152/2007, GSO 205/1994), mercury (ISO/TR 17276:2014, ISO 23821:2022, ISO 23674:2022, ISO 23821:2022). Moreover, sensory evaluation (ASTM E1490-11) antimicrobial evaluation (ASTM E640) and allergens test (EN 16274:2021) are also employed as the test methods for skin lightening products
Toxic chemicals detected
Mercury, Hydroquinone, Benzene, retinoic acid, Corticosteroids, Alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, Kojic acid, Butylated hydroxytoluene; BHT, Ceteareth-20 (1,4-dioxane contamination), DMDM hydantoin (formaldehyde releaser), Padimate O (nitrosamine contamination), 1,4-dioxane
Eye care products comprise mascara, eye shadow, eye pencil etc
Hardness
The hardness of an eye pencil tip is important because, it smoothly glides along effortlessly enabling ultimate control and flexibility during application. The consistency of the eyeliner together with its soft texture will therefore influence its performance.
Toxic chemicals detected
Percentage of water resistance
Commercially available sunscreen products are designed to be water resistant. Water resistance evaluates the sunscreen's durability after exposure to water or sweat. They are evaluated water in vivo after a water immersion procedure. We employ the following standards for the determination of water resistance ISO 16217:2020, ISO/TR 26369:2009, ISO 18861:2020
Sunscreen efficacy
Sunscreen efficacy is tested in vivo by the ability to prevent erythema of skin. The evaluation of sunscreen protection on human skin is by using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. ISO/DIS 23698 can be employed for the measurement of the sunscreen efficacy
Sun protection factor
The SPF number gives the information how long the sun's UV radiation would take to burn the skin while using the product exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen.
ISO 24443:2021 regulates how UVA protection factors are measured. According to the recommendation of the European Commission, UVA protection must represent at least one third of the sun protection factor. The test methods include ISO 24443, ISO/DIS 23675, ISO 24442:2022, ISO 24444:2019
N-Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEIA)
Nitrosoamines are incorporated in cosmetic products for stability. Various ingredients used in the formulation of cosmetic and personal care products encompass nitrogen so there is a potential to form Nitrosamines. The international standards we employed for the determination of nitrosoamine includes ISO 10130:2009, ISO 15819:2014 etc
Flash Point Testing
A flash point test for a cosmetic product determines the lowest temperature at which a cosmetics product or material emits enough vapor to form, with ambient air, a volatile gas mixture which could ignite if exposed to an ignition source, such as flames, sparks, heat or an electrical source. We test for the same in accordance with ISO 13736, ISO 2719, ASTM D56, ISO 2592
Color and Gloss
it is a very significant to test the gloss of nail polish or remover from every angle to see if it is, maintained. Gloss Meter is usually used for measuring gloss. Color can be measured by means of a photometer
Oxygen Transmission Rate
For manufacturers claiming breathable nail polish, oxygen transmission rate can be determine based on ASTM D3985, ISO 15105-2:2003
Toxic chemicals detected
Generally, this category of cosmetic products has been utilized for boosting up the confidence level and own comfortability throughout the day. The test methods recommended for this class of cosmetics are sweat patch test, water content (ASTM D3792-05 or ASTM D4017-02), volatile content of solvent borne and water-borne coatings (ASTM D2369-07/ D5403-93), volatile organic compounds (ASTM D2369-20, ASTM D6886, ISO 11890-1, ISO 11890-2), allergens (EN 16274:2021), detection of acetone (ASTM D6133-02 /D6438-05), dichloromethane (DCM) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCE)- ASTM D4457
Toxic chemicals detected
Kid & Baby Safe
Baby cosmetics are formulated with high-quality active ingredients to care for babies’ delicate skin. Babies and children up to the age of three are mostly vulnerable as the skin of babies has specific physiological properties and is generally considered to be significantly more sensitive than the skin of an adult. So cosmetic testing for baby cosmetics are inevitable. The main products used as baby cosmetics are shampoo, cleansing gel, lotions, cream, moisturizers, petroleum jellies, liquid powder etc. General tests for this category involve, pH, heavy metal content, ethanol insoluble matter, moisture and volatile matter, total fatty matter, water insoluble matter, acid number, free alkali, lard and its derivatives based on GSO 1895, GSO 1098, ISO 672 and ISO 684. Formaldehyde, bisphenol a, parabens, talc, phthalates, fragrance, phthalates, heavy metals are the toxic chemicals detected in the baby cosmetics.
OTC & Cosmeceuticals
OTC products include anti-acne, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiperspirant, anti-dandruff, external analgesic, sunscreen, skin protectants, and even toothpastes that contain fluoride. Cosmeceuticals contain a higher percentage of active ingredients that penetrate deeper through the epidermis to the dermis where your collagen, elastin and new skin cells are found.
Alcohol
The concentration of ethanol and iso-propyl alcohol in sanitizers can be determined by employing GC-FID or following the test methods ASTM E 1252, ASTM E168 – 16. Sanitizers must contain at least 60% ethanol or 70% IPA by volume.
Microbiological analysis
ASTM E1153-14e1- against Staphylococcus aureus, or Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterobacter aerogenes, or a combination thereof.
The tests for the cleaning products are specific gravity (ASTM D 891-05), total heavy metals as (lead) c in sodium hypochlorite solution (GSO 152), total active ingredient content, alkalinity, oxidizing and reducing agents, optical brightening agent (GSO 461), pH, non-volatile matter (GSO 883), water content (ISO 760)
