Our work
It is imperative that products used on a day-to-day basis by the general population are safe. Unlike in industrial settings, where users are trained and have access to the necessary protective equipment, consumers at home have to trust that the products they buy are safe. We are experienced in the assessment of cosmetics and other consumer products, and can assist with their evaluation before they go to market – for example through screening out undesirable chemicals – and if specific concerns are raised during their lifetime.
Even if they aren’t covered by a sector-specific regulation, companies are still required by the General Product Safety Regulation to ensure that their products are safe for use. This includes an understanding of the risks posed by the product as a whole, but also any potential residual substances that may be present in trace amounts from the manufacturing process. We can assist with the understanding of the health hazards and risks associated with a wide range of consumer products.
Cosmetics
Cosmetic products are often mixtures – and even mixtures of mixtures. This makes carrying out a defensible toxicological assessment very challenging. The ban on testing cosmetic ingredients on vertebrate animals adds a further complication. Through collaboration with our clients, our skills in searching the toxicological literature and carrying out read-across and (Q)SAR assessments, we are able to provide robust evaluations of safety, including for Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs) as required in the EU under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.
Helpful information
The General Product Safety Regulations
Some of our case studies in this area
A human health risk assessment of API-related impurities
Case study
Whilst developing an inhalation spray drug product, the client identified two impurities with chemical structures related to the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). Click through to read more about how we dealt with this interesting project.
Human health risk assessment of unknown contamination
Case study
The client reported that small “brown spots” had been observed on the inside surface of a batch of aluminium tubes that contain a topical drug product. The source and chemical composition of the brown spots was unknown. Click through to read more about how we dealt with this interesting project.
Toxicological risk assessment of a disinfecting agent in a syringe medical device
Case study
The client manufactures a product which is used as part of a syringe line medical device. The connection set-up has the potential to introduce a disinfectant chemical into the line and be injected into patients. Click through to read more about how we dealt with this interesting project.
