Top search:
SMETA
Recycle
Prop 65
FSC
Cosmetics
RoHS
Preservative Efficacy Test
FromUS$670
Preservative Efficacy Test
Service Scope
Cosmetic products are rich in nutrients that it provides a very favorable environment and condition for the growth of microorganisms. Controlling the growth of microorganisms during the use of products becomes very important. In most cases, preservatives are added into the formulations to prevent and inhibit the microbial growth, so as to maintain the product safety within the shelf life in terms of microbiology.
To examine the ability to inhibit the microbial growth by the preservative system, we conduct preservative efficacy test (challenge test) following different international standards to help assess the microbiological quality of your product.
Test Plan
Sample Size
Hard solid, powder, oily products: 300g or ml at minimum
Liquid or semi-liquid products: 150g or ml at minimum
Turnaround Time (working days)
33-35 days
Test Description and Requirements
EP Ch. 5.1.3
Criteria A express the recommended efficacy to be achieved. In justified cases where Criteria A cannot be attained, for example, for reasons of an increased risk of adverse reaction, then Criteria B must be satisfied
CRITERIA A
| Parameters | Day 2 | Day 7 | Day 14 | Day 28 |
| Bacteria | Log reduction: 2 | Log reduction: 3 | – | No increase |
| Fungi | – | – | Log reduction: 2 | No increase |
Bacteria includes Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
Fungi includes Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis
CRITERIA B
| Parameters | Day 2 | Day 7 | Day 14 | Day 28 |
| Bacteria | – | – | Log reduction: 3 | No increase |
| Fungi | – | – | Log reduction: 1 | No increase |
Bacteria includes Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
Fungi includes Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis
USP <51>
| Parameters | Day 14 | Day 28 |
| Bacteria | Log reduction: >2 | No increase |
| Fungi | No increase | No increase |
Bacteria includes Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
Fungi includes Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis
ISO 11930
The formulation is deemed to meet Criteria B, only when the microbiological risk analysis demonstrates the existence of control factors not related to the formulation; for example, a protective package such as a pump provides a higher level of protection than a jar. This would be considered a protective device for risk reduction. For more details on package characteristics, please refer to ISO 11930:2019 – Annex D.
CRITERIA A
| Parameters | Day 7 | Day 14 | Day 28 |
| C. albicans | ≥ 1 | ≥ 1 and No Increase* | ≥ 1 and No Increase* |
| A. brasiliensis | – | ≥ 0** | ≥ 1 |
| Bacteria | ≥ 3 | ≥ 3 and No* Increase | ≥ 3 and No* Increase |
CRITERIA B
| Parameters | Day 7 | Day 14 | Day 28 |
| C. albicans | – | ≥ 1 | ≥ 1 and No Increase* |
| A. brasiliensis | – | ≥ 0 | ≥ 0 and No Increase* |
Bacteria | – | ≥ 3 | ≥ 3 and No Increase* |
Bacteria includes Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
* No increase in the count from the previous contact time
** No increase from the initial count
ASEAN ACM MAL 08
| Parameters | Day 7 | Day 14 | Day 21 | Day 28 |
Bacteria | > 99.9% | No increase | No increase | No increase |
| Yeast | > 99.9% | No increase | No increase | No increase |
| Mould | No increase | No increase | No increase | > 90% No increase |
Bacteria includes Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
Yeast includes Candida albicans
Mould includes Aspergillus niger
Remarks
Only applicable test items will be conducted on selected product nature and destination market. A detailed test item list will be included in order confirmation email upon order purchase.
*What is SGS QR code service and How does it provide value for you?
SGS QR code service is suitable for products sold in traditional retail shops and e-commerce platforms. This is an authorization to display an SGS QR code on a product that allows quick access to SGS test report on our online platform. This enhances trust building between your products and the consumers by showing the product is tested by a reliable third party and proven to meet certain quality standard. With the display of QR code, you could gain a competitive edge and differentiate your products in the market.
If you apply QR code service, after your product is tested, a dedicated QR code will be generated along with the test report. This QR code can be displayed on the tested product. By scanning the QR code, it will direct your customers to an online platform where the key information and test report could be accessed. Customers can easily access the information through a trusted third party platform by their own mobile device upon product selection. Indicate your interest if you would like to explore this opportunity of using SGS QR code service.
StrengthS & benefits
Experienced Microbiological Laboratory
SGS is equipped with a dedicated microbiological laboratory for cosmetics and hygiene products.
Order flow
1. Check Out
Confirm selections and fill in contact info
2. Arrange Payment
Pay by credit card or bank transfer offline
3. Confirm Test Plan
Confirm test and product details
4. Send Sample
Send the sample with printed form
5. Receive Report
Receive our test report by email
Payment
| Online Payment |
|
| Offline Payment |
|
FAQs
You can add them to shopping cart and proceed to checkout for placing your order online. You will receive an order acknowledgment with order details after online order.
It is not necessary to create an account for online purchase, you can select Guest Checkout to place an order without an account.
However, creating an account offers additional benefits:
- Your contact information will be saved securely for a faster checkout
- Track your order status and history
If you place an order as a guest, please check our notifications at your email box. Please remember to check promotional and junk mail box if you can’t find it.
If you place an order as a member, please log in and check the status of your order under “Quote Request” or “Orders”.
SGS TIC Mall only accepts US$ for checkout.
You will receive a test application form, sample requirement and delivery details in confirmation email upon successful payment, please complete the form and send the required sample(s) to our competence center in Hong Kong.
Please contact your dedicated specialist to submit your request. It will be reviewed case by case depending on the order process.
No, you can’t cancel and refund the paid order unless there is a quality or service delivery issue.
Submit Enquiry / Quote Request
learn more
BPA & PFAS are Raising Concerns in Performance Wear
Learn how SGS’s chemical services ensure the quality, safety, and sustainability of Performance Wear to satisfy market requirements & demands.
How Does Athleisure Wear Affect Your Workout Performance
Find out how our Inspection service can ensure your athleisure wear are functional and free of defects to minimize the risk of recalls.
Webinar: Latest Updates in Toy Safety Regulations
Did you miss our webinar on the latest toy safety regulations? Click here to re-live the event.
