The adoption of the 7th amendment of the European Cosmetic Directive 76/768/EEC requires any cosmetic product containing any of 26 raw materials identified by the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products intended for Consumers as likely to cause a contact allergy when present above certain trigger levels to be declared on the package label.

To address this need for highly reliable safety testing, Intertek have launched an allergen screening service for perfume and fragrances employing recognized analytical test methods. An allergic reaction to a cosmetic or to the topical application of other chemical substances and formulations onto the skin can manifest as an obvious inflammatory response. Although most potential allergens on the consumer and industrial market have a low intrinsic potential for sensitisation, there are some important exceptions for example some preservatives. Some allergens can be thought of as 'ubiquitous' e.g. formaldehyde and other preservatives.

Contact allergens tend to be low molecular weight (<600) and are capable of forming covalent bonds with carrier proteins in the skin. To lower the risk of inducing an adverse response it is vital to carry out screening of any a new personal are product or products that are suspected to contain allergen contaminants.

Typical products we can work with are: Deodorant, Toothpaste, Cream and Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioners and many more.

See also

• Personal Care Product Services
• In Vitro Skin Testing for Personal Care Products
• Microbiological Analysis for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products