SGS offers a comprehensive range of services to the haircare industry to
help manufacturers ensure their products are safe, regulatory compliant, and
perform as advertised.
Hair has always been important to us and that is demonstrated by the way
the global market for haircare products is growing. In 2018, it was estimated
to be worth USD 87.9 billion but, by 2024, it is
predicted to reach USD 116.33 billion.
Manufacturers
must test their products in a variety of ways and against a variety of
regulatory standards. The European Union (EU) requires products to conform to Regulation
(EC) N° 1223/2009, the EU Cosmetics Regulation, before further testing can
begin. Once this is confirmed by the testing organization, and the respective
documentary evidence is compiled, the manufacturer can move to the volunteer
testing phase.
The first step for any
volunteer is a visit to the testing organization’s hairdresser. The volunteer’s
hair must conform to prescribed levels for health, dryness, coloring etc. The
organizer must be certain only those volunteers with the right kind of hair are
included on the study – for example, assessment of a dry hair product must use
people with dry hair.
Volunteers must not only be selected; they must also register with the testing
organization and agree to take part in the study. Registration means the
testing organization will hold basic details on each volunteer, all logged on a
central database.
After this, preconditioning
shampoo is distributed to all volunteers with instructions to apply it to the
hair at least four times before the testing day.
On the day
of the test, it is standard practice to check once again that the volunteer is
still happy to take part. Once they have confirmed they are happy to continue,
the volunteer will visit the institute’s hairdresser, where their hair is
washed using the products being examined. Very often, a different product will
be applied to either side of the head.
Products that are tested include
shampoos, conditioners, masks, styling sprays, mousses and waxes.
At the end of the testing day, each volunteer is also given a product to
test at home, along with a questionnaire.
Volunteer groups are used to test a wide variety of products. Alongside haircare and styling products, volunteers are also used to test cosmetic and personal care products, such as:
- Hair coloring products
- Creams, face masks, eye masks, shower gels, etc.
- Shoe deodorizing sprays
- Depilation agents
- Razors
In addition, they may also
be given products like dishwashing liquids and window cleaners to test at home.
Testing in this way is also used for electrical haircare products, such as hair
curlers and straighteners.
The final part of any testing process involving volunteers is checking they are
happy with the process. At SGS in Taunusstein, Germany, they are then given a
complimentary professional styling by the in-house hairdresser.
SGS Cosmetics & Personal Care Testing Services
SGS provides
testing, inspection, auditing and consulting services to manufacturers,
distributors and importers to ensure a high level of product quality in every
area. Their global network of can help with
regulatory compliance, testing to a wide range of criteria,
including
chemical and physical testing,
and product
performance and claim support. Learn more about SGS’s Cosmetics & Personal Care Testing Services.
For more information, please contact:
Ines
Sellami
Lab Manager Cosmetic Performance & Customer Service Consultant
CRS – Cosmetic, Personal Care and Household
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/cpch
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and
certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality
and integrity. With more than 94,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over
2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.