Frequently Asked Questions in Cosmetics

Belinda Carli, 20/03/2021

At the Institute of Personal Care Science, we get asked a lot of little questions – especially by small brand owners! Here are some answers to commonly asked questions and where you can find more information.

 

Cosmetic formulation questions:

 

Can I use a different gum, emulsifier, preservative, wax or surfactant in a cosmetic formula?

It depends a lot on what else is in the formula. Sometimes, especially where you see videos where we emphasise the use of certain materials in formulas, swapping out to another ingredient may not yield the same results. In many cases, you can use other gums, emulsifiers, preservatives, waxes or surfactants in cosmetic formulations – as long as you know what to look for, so that you make the right selections.

While we have loads of free video topics on YouTube, you may find you need more direct guidance on changing out one of these important materials in your cosmetic formulation, so we have designed a series of workshops that go through the selection process of various cosmetic gums, emulsifiers, preservatives, waxes and surfactants – using materials you can source easily from small suppliers. Please refer to our workshops page to see a variety of workshop links and information... the answers could be waiting there for you! 

You can also source materials from various small suppliers around the world – our workshops use materials from these suppliers.

 

How do I set up my lab?

You don’t need to have a sterile lab, but it needs to be kept very clean, and your air and water supply are very important; as is cleaning your equipment.

Please watch this video where Belinda Carli takes you through the lab at the Institute, this video all about lab equipment (from basics through to advanced), this cosmetic lab stirrers, and heating baths for the cosmetic lab.

 

Do I have to conduct stability testing – especially if I’m a small brand?

The short answer is: YES. In some countries, like the EU, you need stability results before you can put your product onto the market. Even in countries where the regulations don’t explicitly state that you must have stability testing results, the brand putting the product onto the market is responsible for the safe and suitable use of the product. How can you know if the product is remaining safe and suitable for use, if you don’t conduct stability testing? You can’t. So even if the regulations don’t explicitly state that you must have stability testing, it is inherent that you have stability results to prove (and know) the products are safe and suitable for use.

Watch our video on how to conduct stability testing for cosmetic shelf life here.  

You can also learn how to conduct your own stability,100% online study. Find out how you can learn to conduct your own cosmetic stability and shelf life testing here. 

Also find out about cosmetic lab incubators here, necessary for accelerated stability testing.

And find out how to conduct viscosity testing, and the equipment used here - measuring viscosity is a key stability marker.

 

Manufacturing questions:

 

How do I set up my manufacturing area?

In some countries, you may need a license to manufacture (we'll answer that one in a moment!). In some cases, it may not be the best thing for your brand to manufacture its own product. Please watch this video first to see if you should manufacture your own product.

If you do want to manufacture your own products, you need to set up your manufacturing area to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, whether you are in a country that requires you to hold a GMP license or not! This is not a simple 5-minute topic, so we have designed a workshop series to talk you through setting up your own small manufacturing area, to suit production from 5 – 100kg. It also includes quality guides, batch templates and even room layouts! Watch our workshop series, and get great templates to get you started, with setting up a small cosmetic manufacturing area here.

 

Do I need a license to manufacture my products?

In some parts of the world, like EU and some parts of Asia, you do need a GMP license – please check with your local regulatory authority or purchase consulting time with us to check.

In other parts of the world, like US, Aus or NZ, you don’t need a GMP license – but you still need to manufacture to GMP standards to ensure product quality. Please refer to the answer above where we have our cosmetic manufacturing workshop series, to learn how to set up your own cosmetic manufacturing space if it is a suitable option for you.

 

Label and brand management questions:

 

Can I use a PO Box as my address on my label?

No – your label must have a street address relevant to the country in which it is sold (or a Responsible Person in the UK or EU accordingly). This is required so that a regulator can Legally Serve the company (or Responsible Person) for any regulatory issues. A PO Box is not sufficient for this purpose; therefore PO boxes are not sufficient on their own on a label. You could use a PO Box in addition to a street address, but a street address is still required.

 

Do the same regulations apply to small brands?

Yes. All brands, no matter what size, are responsible for the products they sell to a consumer. This applies to all brands, from market stall holders or even just selling to family and friends – right through to the large multi-nationals! Local country compliance must be complied with whenever you are bringing a product to the consumer market and it is a company’s responsibility to ensure they comply with all requirements no matter their size.

For some small companies, the costs can seem expensive; but there are some clever ways to ensure you comply with all regulations – and it is an investment in your brand you must make. You can learn many of your compliance requirements with us to make it more cost effective; we have ‘study only’ options at half the regular Certificate prices so you can get the learning you need to comply with local regulations.

Learn full cosmetic compliance in various regions around the world, find out more here.

Or learn to take care of specific aspects of your compliance only in shorter courses:

  • Take care of your cosmetic labels and claims; find out more here.
  • Conduct your own cosmetic stability and quality checks; find out more here.
  • Learn full EU Responsible Person, PIF preparation and compliance for cosmetic products; find out more here.

(All of these shorter courses are part of the full Certificate in Cosmetic Compliance training provided here).

 

Do I have to register my products?

In some countries, like the EU, UK and many parts of Asia, yes, you do. In US, Aus or NZ, no, you don’t. But whether registration is or is not ‘required’ before placing your cosmetic product onto the market, full compliance is always required. It is the brand putting the product onto the market that is responsible for its safety, suitability, shelf life and compliance – so make sure your products comply whether you need to register your products because of your location, or not. Please see the answer above for more help on this, or links where you can learn to take care of various (or all) aspects yourself.

 

How can I find INCI names/do I have to use them?

In EU, UK, Canada and ASEAN regulated countries, yes you do need to use INCI names. They can be found on the CosIng website, here.

In the US, you should use CTFA reference names. In Aus and NZ you should also use INCI names to avoid confusion. Ensuring the correct nomenclature is used on labels is a fundamental company responsibility, so make sure you get it right! You can learn how to get your labels and claims right with our Certificate in Cosmetic Labels and Claims.

 

Happy formulating and good luck with your Brand.

 

Disclaimer: the advice in this document is of a general nature and may not suit all situations. The brand who owns the brand name of the product is responsible for the information they provide consumers and must take necessary steps to ensure information is correct to the local country requirements before placing a product onto the market. IPCS accepts no responsibility for individual situations and ingredient listing requirements as a result of misuse of the information provided in this document. IPCS advises all users of this document that if in doubt, they should seek regulatory advice specific to their situation, or learn how to conduct appropriate regulatory checks for themselves. Consulting and full details and training on how to conduct these regulatory checks can be provided by IPCS, please contact us: [email protected]

 

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO TO GET IT RIGHT?

 

Don’t need the qualification but still want to learn on a professional level? Get started faster and save 50% off full course fees with our Study Only option: 

FIND OUT MORE HERE

 

Study with the Institute of Personal Care Science – we have a range of FormulatingBrand Management and Regulatory  Diplomas, Certificates, short courses and workshops that can see you comprehensively trained and/or rapidly up-skilled in key areas, all from the convenience of a time and place that suits you with:

  • All distance (on-line) study
  • 1-on-1 tutorial support via skype or phone with our trainers
  • Flexible study options – study full time, part time or very part time.

 

Want help with your brand or formulas? When you are a full course student and graduate, you get access to our exclusive group of professional formulators, graduates and students PLUS attend monthly live webinars with our Director, Belinda Carli, and she’ll answer your questions direct. 

FIND OUT MORE HERE

 

Not sure which course is right for you? Visit our online selector or contact us: [email protected]

 

Just starting out and want to learn the fundamentals? Get started making your own natural and organic skincare products with our FREE Cosmetic Formulation Fundamentals Masterclass

FIND OUT MORE HERE

 

With hundreds of videos on YouTube, we’re bound to have a solution for you. Type your topic in the search bar and see how our videos can help: 

VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL