Cosmetics & Personal Care | Monthly bulletin | October 2025
Testing pet care products: ensuring safety and scientific rigour
The rapid growth of the pet care market is drawing focus to the development of this product category. However, unlike cosmetics, pet care products do not fall within the scope of European Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetics but are governed by Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety, and also fall under REACH and CLP regulations. Depending on their composition and claims, these products may also fall under the regulatory frameworks applicable to biocides or ‘veterinary medicines’, which adds a complexity that requires a precise understanding of the regulations.
While current legislation - notably the July 2025 French draft bill (Law No. 1711) - emphasises protecting the health of pet groomers, the industry increasingly recognises its dual responsibility to ensure product safety for both animals and humans (including pet owners and grooming professionals). Internationally, regulatory approaches vary: Switzerland enforces chemical laws; Australia follows a veterinary model with flexible thresholds; and the new Chinese standard GB/T 43839 (2024) defines technical safety criteria for foreseeable misuse, alongside proposed ISO initiatives to harmonise standards globally.
At Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care, we support manufacturers and formulators in navigating this evolving landscape through comprehensive testing programmes:
- Regulatory & Toxicology: EU safety data sheet, label validation, poison centre notification, unique formula identifier, etc.
- Analytical testing: Preservative challenge tests (ISO 11930), allergen screening, heavy metals analysis
- In vitro studies: Eye and skin irritation (OECD 492 and 439)
- Clinical studies: Patch test, HRIPT, open test and coat quality evaluation (shine, manageability, brushing)
- HUT
Our approach ensures scientifically robust, regulatory-compliant results, supporting the development of products that are safe, effective, and trusted by consumers. Partnering with Eurofins C&PC demonstrates measurable safety and efficacy, reinforcing credibility in a market where animal welfare and human safety are inseparable.
Testing beyond the laboratory: Evaluating efficacy under real and extreme conditions
In today’s highly competitive cosmetics industry, product claims must withstand not only laboratory scrutiny but also the challenges of real-life use. At Eurofins C&PC, we maintain the importance of controlled laboratory clinical studies, as they provide essential, reliable data, while extending these studies to clinical real-world testing to capture user experiences. By evaluating cosmetic products in authentic environments, whether skiing, sailing, cycling or urban living, we provide information that reflects real-world performance.
Clinical real-world testing assesses the robustness, stability and sensory attributes of products under environmental stress factors such as UV exposure, wind, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and perspiration. These studies provide scientific evidence of efficacy and resilience in contexts that reflect consumers' daily routines and leisure activities.
Key benefits include:
- Results that are closer to real-world conditions
- A better understanding of the user experience
- More impactful and credible claims that truly resonate with consumers and support real-life product use
- Differentiation in a competitive market
- A complementary approach to traditional clinical studies
By integrating clinical real-world testing into its R&D process, Eurofins C&PC helps brands transform laboratory innovation into proven, field-validated performance, ensuring that every claim stands up to the realities of life.
Access to specialised skin populations for advanced dermatological research
At Eurofins C&PC, we have long understood that effective dermatological and cosmetic development depends on precise, population-specific knowledge. Our extensive global network of clinical sites, spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, provides access to specialised skin populations, including individuals affected by acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, scarring, and hair loss.
We apply robust, scientifically validated methodologies to deliver high-quality data on skin, hair, and nails, supporting both cosmetic innovation and therapeutic development. Our teams conduct comprehensive clinical studies on topical formulations, oral treatments, and aesthetic and medical devices.
Combining scientific rigour with operational excellence, Eurofins C&PC provides its partners with reliable recruitment strategies, validated assessment tools, and state-of-the-art aesthetic procedures tailored to pre- and post-treatment evaluations.
Whether exploring new active ingredients, testing advanced formulations, or evaluating device-assisted protocols, our experts ensure that each study generates meaningful insights and regulatory-compliant data.
With Eurofins C&PC, you get more than just access: you benefit from scientific precision, in-depth clinical expertise, and a pathway to innovation in dermatological and cosmetic research.
What’s next?
Trade show
Bio-Europe - 3–5 November 2025
Vienna, Austria
German Pavilion
Cosmoprof Asia - 12–14 November 2025
Hong-Kong, China
Making Cosmetics - 19–20 November 2025
Milan, Italy
Stand L10
