Cosmetics & Personal Care | Monthly bulletin | February 2025

Facial fatigue: Eurofins C&PC enhances fatigue-related cosmetic evaluations

Facial fatigue manifests through a combination of visible and measurable symptoms, including sagging eyelids, periorbital puffiness, dark circles, drooping lip corners, uneven skin tone, dehydration of the skin, dullness, loss of radiance, enlarged pores, reduced elasticity, and rough skin texture. These signs are not only noticeable to the eye but also quantifiable through advanced instrumental techniques.

To provide scientifically robust substantiation for fatigue-related cosmetic claims, Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care has developed an evaluation approach combining:

Ex vivo tests: Analysis of the effects of cosmetics on fatigue-related markers at cellular and molecular level
Clinical grading & expert assessments: Standardised dermatologist and trained evaluator scoring for objective assessment.
Advanced image acquisition & analysis: High-resolution imaging and image processing for precise skin condition tracking.
Biometric & physiological measurements: Assessment of hydration, elasticity, microcirculation, and skin radiance.
Psycho-physiological & perceptual testing: Incorporation of Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaires, and emotional analysis to capture consumer-perceived fatigue and well-being.

By combining objective instrumental evaluations with subjective user perception, our holistic and multi-parameter approach provides comprehensive, data-backed insights into anti-fatigue cosmetic claims.

Cosmetic safety: The importance of contaminant testing

Recent developments in the cosmetic industry highlight the critical importance of contaminant testing to ensure consumer safety and maintain brand integrity.

Several class-action lawsuits have been filed due to benzene contamination in benzoyl peroxide acne treatments. Independent testing has detected benzene levels exceeding regulatory limits, leading to significant legal consequences and reputational damage for the affected brands.

Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new regulation requiring standardised testing methods for detecting asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products. This initiative aims to protect consumers from exposure to this known carcinogen by mandating specific testing protocols. Non-compliance could result in product recalls and legal action.

These incidents emphasise the necessity of rigorous testing programmes to identify and eliminate potential risks before products reach the market.

At Eurofins C&PC, we understand the complex challenges of ensuring product safety in the cosmetic industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced professionals offer a wide range of testing services, including:

Benzene detection: Utilising advanced analytical techniques to identify and quantify benzene levels in your products, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Asbestos testing in talc: Employing specialised methods to detect asbestos contamination in talc-based products.
Comprehensive contaminant screening: A broad selection of tests to identify various contaminants, safeguarding your products from health risks and regulatory issues.

Partnering with Eurofins C&PC ensures your products to meet existing regulations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes us the trusted choice for cosmetic testing services.

Understanding the 'white cast' impact: Eurofins C&PC cutting-edge method

In 2024, assessing the "white cast" effect has became a key focus in the cosmetics industry, particularly for suncare and tinted products, and this trend is expected to continue. The white cast phenomenon refers to the visible white residue left on the skin after applying certain formulations. Managing this characteristic, beyond the aesthetic impact, is essential for guaranteeing an optimal sensory experience for consumers.

To provide precise and objective results, Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care uses a CM 700-d chromameter or colorimeter to analyse the skin's luminosity (L*) before and after product application. This high-precision instrumental method allows for an assessment of the residual whiteness left by each tested formula.

As consumer expectations shift towards more refined sensory experiences, understanding and reducing the white cast effect is more important than ever. In products that require a protective layer, such as sunscreens, the intensity of this visual effect can significantly impact user perception and overall acceptability. The data derived from Eurofins C&PC's analysis equips manufacturers with the insights needed to formulate products that reduce the white cast while ensuring their efficacy.

This analysis empowers brands to optimise their formulas, ensuring that they meet the growing demand for both effective and aesthetically pleasing cosmetic products. By offering precise, quantitative data, Eurofins C&PC plays a pivotal role in helping the cosmetic industry develop innovative solutions that address both functional and sensory needs.

With this rigorous scientific approach, Eurofins C&PC reaffirms its commitment to enhancing cosmetic evaluations, thereby contributing to a better user experience and increased consumer satisfaction.

What’s next?

Trade show

In-cosmetics Global – 8-10 April

Amsterdam – Stand 12C60

Learn more: https://www.eurofins.com/cosmetics/media-centre/in-cosmetics-global-2025/

Conference: “Regenerative Revolution: Innovations in Cellular and Tissue Repair Through Cosmetogenomics, Ex Vivo, and Clinical Testing” - April 9 | 2:30 pm (CET) | Theatre 4

Webinar

The assessment of cleaning products: Regulatory services & performance evaluation

11 March – 2:00 p.m. (CET)