Cosmetic Testing Lab for Skincare, Makeup and Personal Care
Cosmetic microbiology testing, preservative efficacy, stability and chemistry from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory in Irvine and San Diego.
Cosmetic testing encompasses microbiology screening, stability studies, preservative efficacy testing, heavy metal analysis, and claims substantiation to verify that skincare, makeup, and personal care products are safe for consumers and compliant with FDA and EU Regulation 1223/2009.
At Qalitex Laboratories, we offer comprehensive cosmetic and beauty product testing services designed to help skincare, makeup, and beauty brands ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and performance. We specialize in cosmetic microbiology, stability, compatibility, preservative efficacy, and claims substantiation.
Why Cosmetic Testing Matters
Regulatory compliance ensures your product meets FDA and international regulations. Our testing validates that formulations are free of microbial contaminants and allergens, confirms stability over time, supports marketing claims with lab-backed data, and satisfies retailer requirements for Amazon, Target, Sephora, and other major retailers.
Cosmetic Microbiology Testing
Cosmetic microbiology testing checks that a finished product and its raw materials are within microbial limits and free of the organisms that matter in cosmetics. We enumerate total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) and total yeast and mold count (TYMC), and screen for E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, reporting against ISO 17516 limits or your own specification. The same lab runs USP <61>/<62> for brands that also sell supplements.
Preservative Efficacy Testing (ISO 11930 and USP <51>)
Challenge testing inoculates the product with a defined panel of bacteria, yeast and mold and measures the log reduction over 28 days to prove the preservative system works in the final formula. We test to ISO 11930 for cosmetics and to USP <51> antimicrobial effectiveness testing where a retailer, pharmacopeial or OTC requirement calls for it, and report which acceptance criteria were met.
Stability & Shelf Life Studies
Real-time and accelerated stability testing evaluates appearance, viscosity, pH, color, fragrance, and active ingredient stability over time. We test all cosmetic formats including creams, serums, oils, gels, and powders under ICH-equivalent conditions.
Heavy Metals & Contaminants
We test cosmetics and personal care products for lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other regulated heavy metals per FDA guidance and EU Regulation 1223/2009. Essential for brands selling in California (Prop 65) and international markets.
Tests & Methods Included
- ✓ Cosmetic microbiology: microbial limits (TAMC, TYMC)
- ✓ Specified organisms (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans)
- ✓ Preservative efficacy testing (ISO 11930 / USP <51>)
- ✓ Real-time & accelerated stability
- ✓ Heavy metal panel
- ✓ pH, viscosity, appearance
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
- FDA Cosmetic regulations (MoCRA)
- EU Regulation 1223/2009
- ISO 17516 (microbiological limits)
- ISO 11930 (preservative efficacy)
- USP <51>
- California Prop 65
Industries We Serve
- Skincare brands
- Makeup & color cosmetics
- Hair care
- Personal care & hygiene
- Amazon beauty sellers
Request a Quote
Pricing depends on your product. Tell us what you need and we'll email a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Get a Quote →"It's unfortunate that some manufacturers will bend messaging… They're preying on vulnerabilities. On the flip side, we have this opportunity for truth fighters to come forward and fight for the honest things that are happening."
Ella Cressman
Licensed Esthetician & Skincare Educator
🎙️ Listen: The Dark Side of the Skincare Industry on Nourify & Beautify →Frequently Asked Questions
What cosmetic testing services does Qalitex provide?
Qalitex provides cosmetic microbiology testing (TAMC, TYMC, specified organisms), preservative efficacy testing, real-time and accelerated stability studies, heavy metal screening, pH and viscosity testing, and claims substantiation for skincare, makeup, and personal care products.
What is cosmetic microbiology testing?
It is the set of tests that shows a cosmetic is microbiologically safe: counts of total aerobic bacteria and of yeast and mold, plus screening for specified organisms such as E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Results are compared with ISO 17516 limits or the brand's own specification. Preservative efficacy (challenge) testing is a separate study that proves the preservative keeps the product safe during use.
Is cosmetic testing required by the FDA?
While the FDA does not pre-approve cosmetics, it requires products to be safe for consumers under labeled conditions of use. Third-party testing from an ISO 17025 accredited lab like Qalitex provides documentation to demonstrate safety and support compliance with FDA and EU Regulation 1223/2009.
Does Qalitex test cosmetics for Amazon compliance?
Yes, Qalitex provides cosmetic testing specifically formatted for Amazon Seller Central compliance documentation, including Certificates of Analysis, microbiology reports, and heavy metal screening results accepted by Amazon's review process.
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Why brands choose Qalitex for cosmetic & personal care testing
48-hr turnaround
Signed CoA in 48–72 hours
Direct scientist access
Talk to the chemist running your tests
No minimums
1 SKU or 100 — same quality
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Ready to test your cosmetic & personal care testing?
Tell us what you need tested. We'll respond within 24 hours with pricing and turnaround time.
Get a Testing Quote →Disclaimer: Testing results provided by Qalitex Laboratories are analytical data intended for quality control purposes. They do not constitute legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. Clients are solely responsible for ensuring their products comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Consult qualified regulatory counsel for compliance decisions.