Placing Cosmetics on the Market

Well-selected oils, a few solid fats, sodium hydroxide for saponification, a few drops of fine essential oil, and a few weeks of waiting. Can our sophisticated artisanal soap now go to the farmers’ market? Well, not quite. There are still a few things to take care of before that.

First, our production must be reported to the responsible authority of the EU member state. Incidentally, this authority also carries out regular and random inspections following the notification, during which it checks that all the required documentation is available and that the product complies with the applicable legislation.

And what are these documents? In the EU, the most important document for cosmetics is the Product Information File (PIF), which contains the following:

• a description of the cosmetic product

• a cosmetic product safety report, indicating the safety of the cosmetic product for its intended use

• a description of the good manufacturing practice (GMP)

• evidence of the effect claimed for the product

• data on animal testing, which is otherwise prohibited, with a few exceptions

The Product Information File can be prepared by the responsible person of the cosmetic product, whose task is to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation in force. It is also important to note that, unfortunately, not everyone can prepare a cosmetic product safety report. This requires a specialist with theoretical and practical university-level education in pharmacy, toxicology, medicine, or a related field (e.g. chemistry), or an official qualification.

Our team has the appropriate theoretical and practical expertise in the placing of cosmetics on the market. Ask us for a quotation in case you need assistance.