How to Easily Obtain Your Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) for Safe and Compliant Cosmetic Products in the UK

Obtaining a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) is essential for small business owners or natural cosmetics manufacturers. This detailed report demonstrates that your products are safe for consumers, which helps protect your brand and foster trust. In this guide, we will show you simple steps to obtaining your CPSR, so you can focus on what you do best: formulating quality cosmetics and toiletries, no matter how big or small your business is!

Understanding the Importance of a Cosmetic Product Safety Report - CPSR

The Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR for short) is an essential document assessing the safety of cosmetic products before they reach consumers. It evaluates ingredients, potential hazards, and the overall formulation to ensure compliance with UK and EU regulations. You simply must have CPSR in place to comply with the current cosmetic products regulations in the UK and EU.

The Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) has two main parts:

Part A – Cosmetic product safety information. This part of CPSR is a compilation of the available information about your product and must include data on the composition, physical and chemical properties of the ingredients used, the toxicological profile of the ingredients and finished product, any impurities present, microbiological quality, information on the packaging used and also on the exposure to the cosmetic product, its usage, and any undesirable effects reported. The information contained in Part A allows a suitably qualified cosmetic safety assessor to draw a conclusion on cosmetic product safety.

Part B – Cosmetic product safety assessment. This part of CPSR includes the assessment conclusion and scientific reasoning behind it. It also contains labelled warnings and instructions for use, and the assessor's credentials and approval of Part B.

For small businesses, investing in a quality Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) safeguards against potential legal issues, saving you costs that can arise from non-compliance. We can't stress enough how important it is to choose a suitably qualified safety assessor who will provide you with a bespoke solution for your products. Relying on off-the-peg solutions is not enough to ensure the safety of our products.

Who Needs a Cosmetic Product Safety Report - CPSR?

Whether you run a small boutique business or plan to expand your natural cosmetic line to the size of an empire, obtaining a Cosmetic Safety Report (CPSR) is crucial. If you are involved in the production, import, or distribution of cosmetic products in the UK (or EU for that matter), you must have this Cosmetic Product Safety Report for each item in your inventory.

Even products made from natural ingredients are not exempt from needing a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR). This requirement is universal and applies to all types of cosmetics, including skincare, hair care, makeup, body and face products, ensuring that every product undergoes a thorough safety evaluation.

Steps to Obtain Your Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) in 5 Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation

Before starting the CPSR process, gather all essential documents regarding your product formulation. This includes:

• Ingredient List: A breakdown of each component and its concentration in your product. For example, if your moisturiser contains 10% jojoba oil, this should be noted.

  
  

• Detailed information on your ingredients: Information on who made your ingredients, standards they adhere to, etc. It is crucial that your suppliers can provide you with Certificates of analysis confirming the quality of your ingredients.

• Method of Manufacture: A description of how your product is made, including any machines or processes (e.g. heating) involved.

• Usage Instructions: Clear guidelines on how consumers should safely use the product. For instance, specify whether your product is for daily use or should be applied sparingly.

  
  

• Information on the packaging of your product: Is your formulation packaged in a glass or plastic container? Is it a single or multi-use container? Who manufactures your jars and pumps?

  
  

Having this documentation organised not only streamlines the assessment process but also helps you catch potential issues early. It is important to note that the above-mentioned information (and more) needs to be kept on file (so-called Product Information File - PIF) by the product manufacturer. This is a legal requirement.

Step 2: Choose a Qualified Safety Assessor

Selecting a qualified safety assessor is a critical step in obtaining your CPSR. This professional should possess expertise in cosmetic formulations and a firm grasp of UK and EU regulations surrounding cosmetic safety.

When looking for a safety assessor, consider their credentials, experience, and client reviews. A trustworthy professional will conduct a thorough evaluation and help clarify the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) process. There are plenty of off-the-peg solutions available to you on the internet. They may look appealing due to price and seemingly quick turnaround times. But when it comes to the safety of your consumers and the viability and success of your business, skimping on a quality, comprehensive, and tailor-made Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) may not be the most sensible option if you are serious about your business.

Step 3: Conducting the Safety Assessment

Once you have a qualified safety assessor, they will begin the safety assessment of your product. This process includes:

• Toxicological Profiles: Reviewing the safety of the ingredient and the product formulation as a whole.

• Risk Assessment: Evaluating the risks associated with the product’s intended use, such as potential allergic reactions.

  
  

• Labelling Compliance: Ensuring that your product labels meet legal safety and toxicity requirements. Accurate labelling can help mitigate liability, especially if a consumer has an adverse reaction.

  
  

This step is crucial to determine if changes are necessary before your product is deemed safe for consumers. Your safety assessor should be able to give you advice if reformulation or other changes (e.g. changes to packaging or labelling) are required.

Step 4: Finalising the CPSR Report

After the safety assessor completes their evaluation, they will compile their findings into the CPSR report. You will receive a detailed document that outlines the safety assessment, including any recommendations or modifications. Modifications are not always necesarry, but a good report should highlight any changes needed.

It’s essential to review this report carefully, ensuring you fully understand your product’s safety profile. If any changes are needed, address them promptly to continue with production.

Step 5: Keeping Your CPSR Updated

Once you have your CPSR, remember that it is not a one-time document. Significant changes to your formulation or the introduction of new products will require you to obtain an updated Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR). Staying proactive with compliance helps maintain safety standards and enhances your brand’s reputation.

Your cosmetic product safety assessor will advise you on the current cosmetic regulations and other legal requirements beyond the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR).

Wrapping Up

Obtaining a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) is a critical step for any cosmetic product manufacturer in the UK and EU. Beyond being a regulatory requirement, having a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) assures consumers that your products are safe. By following the above-mentioned steps, you can navigate the CPSR process with confidence.

Please get in touch via info@moleculeregulatoryservices.co.uk for further information or any questions you may have regarding PIFs, CPSRs or cosmetic product safety in general.