As we are moving towards a more independent form of society, we have seen growth in handmade cosmetic products. Before we start manufacturing products, we need to ensure that our products are properly tested, and don't have any ill effects. So, what types of cosmetic testing should you do on your homemade products?

1. Stability Testing: 

To make sure your product doesn't separate (a test of emulsion). Not that difficult to do yourself. When you mix oil & water together, that is called an emulsion. That emulsion will eventually come apart at some point. But you want to ensure it stays together for whatever the life of your product is intended to be.

• What we can usually do here is like, we can put a sample of that product in the freezer, do freeze/thaw three times.
• Then we can put the sample in a 100-degree incubator for two months.

This is called accelerated stability testing. So when you increase the temperature, you are accelerating anything that might happen there at room temperature. 

Most importantly, you do a visual inspection by asking the below questions:

• Is that emulsion still together?
• Does it still look good?
• Check the pH, smell, and color 

You want to make sure that after two months, your product looks how you want it to look on the shelf. And usually when it is okay after 2 months at 100-degree F, then it is going to last for at least a year on the shelf.

2. Market Testing:

Check if your friends and family like the product. You will have to have a product that you really like to make it worth going further and doing further cosmetic testing. Some people just give it to friends and family. Some people might actually organize a focus group and a questionnaire to get a lot more feedback on their product.

3. Microbial Testing:

There are some tests that you can check more about:

• APC (Aerobic Plate Count)
• FYC (Fungal Yeast Count)
• PET (Preservative Efficacy Test)

If you are about to start your Cosmetics Product Range or if you are looking for Formulations or New Product Development, you can connect with us at info@thewiki.in or by clicking here.