Cosmetics & Personal Care | Monthly bulletin | April 2025

Oral care tests: The solution for reliable substantiation of claims

From plaque reduction to anti-halitosis efficacy, substantiating oral care claims requires precise, scientifically validated methods. Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care (C&PC) offers a comprehensive range of tests.

Our capabilities include:

Fluoride quantification
Oral irritation & anti-inflammatory assays
Gingival health studies: Gingival corrosion, irritation, permeability & metabolism testing
Anti-plaque & anti-tartar testing
Whitening & anti-stain assessments
Anti-halitosis testing
Teeth hypersensitivity studies
Anti-bacterial testing
Microbiome evaluations

Our clinical studies are designed to deliver maximum insight with operational efficiency. Each protocol includes dental oversight, oral safety evaluations, and acceptability scoring, alongside objective efficacy endpoints. We offer combined assessments within a single study design (e.g., anti-plaque, anti-tartar, whitening, and stain reduction) to streamline timelines and budgets. Timing and study duration remain fully adaptable to your development phase. Optional subjective questionnaires provide consumer-perceived performance data, while protocols are available for in-use testing on participants under 16, covering both classic cosmetic formats and innovative devices like toothbrushes.

Behind these capabilities is Eurofins C&PC’s dedicated network of seven specialised laboratories, staffed with experienced dentists, toxicologists, and clinical technicians. Our full-service model integrates active substances analysis, in vitro testing, and clinical validation under dentist supervision, ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and efficacy in one streamlined process.

Whether you're developing classic formulations or next-gen oral devices, Eurofins C&PC delivers the expertise you need to stand out.

Men's grooming: New routines, new testing challenges

The rapid evolution of the male cosmetics market is opening up new opportunities for formulation but also for differentiation through appropriate tests. Understanding the specific needs of men's skin, anticipating emerging uses and objectifying product performance are key levers for effective innovation in this fast-changing segment.

In 2025, men's routines are no longer limited to shaving and shower gel. Driven by influential cultural figures and a rejection of traditional masculine stereotypes, a new generation of men is adopting complete skincare rituals: cleansers, serums, moisturisers, foundations and mattifying powders. Men's make-up is becoming more normal, with a marked preference for natural effects, clean, shine-free skin.

However, with these new uses come specific skin and hair requirements. Men's skin is thicker, produces more sebum and is frequently subjected to the aggressions of shaving. As a result, it is more prone to imperfections, dehydration and irritation. On the hair side, issues such as hair loss and early baldness require targeted solutions, both in terms of prevention and support. Yet few products are actually designed and tested to meet these specific physiological needs.

Other notable trends include the rise of intimate care and body grooming (hair dyeing, precision shaving), and the skinification of fragrances; where shower gels, creams and serums are built around a coherent, sensorial olfactory universe. The perception of a cosmetic product, its scent, formulation or even packaging, can differ significantly between men and women, strongly influencing product acceptance.

Faced with these changes, Eurofins C&PC offers comprehensive expertise to support male cosmetic innovation: ex vivo testing, clinical studies, image analysis, emotional testing and sensory and consumer evaluations. These methodologies enable us to objectively validate the claimed benefits and support the development of innovative solutions tailored to the specific expectations of the male market.

Ensuring cosmetic safety: Eurofins C&PC comprehensive talc testing solutions

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in cosmetics for its moisture-absorbing and texture-enhancing properties. However, it can be contaminated with asbestos - a known carcinogen - due to their close proximity in natural deposits. Ensuring that talc-containing cosmetic products are free from asbestos is crucial for consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

Eurofins C&PC can specifically offer talc testing services for manufacturers, helping to ensure that the products are safe and compliant with the latest regulations.

Regulatory landscape

United States

In December 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule mandating standardised test methods for detecting asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products. This proposal is a part of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), which seeks to provide consumer protection from asbestos exposure. The FDA proposed that analysts should utilise both Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) examination, to ensure detection. Also, manufacturers would be required to test representative samples taken from each batch of cosmetic products and maintain records of testing to demonstrate compliance.

Canada

In May 2024, Health Canada updated the restrictions and labelling requirements for talc under the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The new restrictions include:

- Talc is "not permitted in products intended solely for use in the genital area of those who have ovaries"
- "Products that could come in contact with the genital area (for example, diapering products, body powder, bath products)" must include the following cautionary statement: "Do not use in the genital area of those who have ovaries"

Importance of talc testing

Testing talc for asbestos contamination is vital for several reasons:

Consumer Safety: Asbestos exposure is linked to serious health issues, including lung and ovarian cancers. A guarantee that products are asbestos-free protects consumers.
Regulatory Compliance: Complying with testing requirements helps manufacturers avoid legal issues and product recalls.
Brand Integrity: Demonstrating a commitment to safety increases consumer confidence and brand reputation.

Eurofins C&PC analytical methods for talc testing

Eurofins C&PC employs state-of-the-art analytical techniques to detect asbestos in talc-containing products:

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM): This method uses polarized light to identify asbestos fibres based on their optical properties.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): TEM provides high-resolution images, allowing for the detection of microscopic asbestos fibres. When combined with EDS and SAED, it offers detailed information on the chemical composition and crystalline structure of particles.

These methods align with the FDA's proposed standards, ensuring that Eurofins C&PC’s testing services meet current regulatory expectations.

At Eurofins C&PC, we combine regulatory expertise, extensive experience, and a commitment to quality to deliver exceptional testing services. Our solutions are carefully designed to comply with both national and international regulations, including the most recent FDA proposals. With a global network of laboratories and a team of highly experienced scientists, we provide unparalleled expertise in the analysis of minerals and cosmetic products. Dedicated to delivering precise and reliable results, we help manufacturers ensure the safety of their products and maintain consumer confidence. Moreover, we recognise that every client has unique requirements, offering bespoke testing strategies tailored to specific product formulations and regulatory obligations.

The ongoing changes in regulation and increasingly conscious consumers are driving the need for stringent asbestos testing in products in the cosmetics industry. Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care provides reliable, fully compliant, and extensive talc testing services in order to help manufacturers guarantee the safety of their products and thus maintain consumer trust.

What’s next?

Trade show

ASCC Annual Conference – 13-15 May

Sydney, Australia

Conference: “The impact of PFAS and microplastics in cosmetics: Prevalence, potential health risks, and regulatory challenges” - May 14 | 9:30 am (AEST) | Ron Mulock Room

Cosmetotest – 14-15 May

Lyon, France

PLMA – 20-21 May

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Stand 10A.24

Webinar

Mastering the challenge test: Key to antimicrobial efficacy in cosmetics

13 May – 3:00 p.m. (CET)

Longévité de la peau : Validez vos allégations avec des preuves scientifiques solides (French audience)

22 May – 11:00 a.m. (CET)