SGS Ensures Haircare Products Are Safe, Compliant and Perform as Advertised
Volunteer testing is an important step in making sure haircare products are safe, compliant and perform as advertised. SGS experts look at the process involved in volunteer testing.
- (1888PressRelease) May 23, 2020 - 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 dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/cpch
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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.
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