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Skincare & Cosmetics Inspection Checklist and Template

Skincare and cosmetics are essential products for many individuals, offering a range of benefits from enhancing beauty to promoting healthy skin. When it comes to these products, quality and user experience are of utmost importance. Asian manufacturing countries, such as South Korea and Japan, are renowned for their expertise in producing skincare and cosmetics. However, sourcing from Asia can pose potential quality risks. To mitigate these risks, thorough Quality Control and Due Diligence are crucial. By ensuring rigorous testing and inspection processes, buyers can confidently select high-quality products that meet their standards. Trustworthy and genuine partnerships are key in this industry, where the focus is on delivering safe and effective skincare and cosmetics to consumers.

Skincare And Cosmetics Inspection

What to look for when inspecting Skincare & Cosmetics?

Packaging integrity check
Labeling accuracy check
Expiration date check
Seal check
Product quantity check
Product consistency check
Texture check
Color check
Scent check
Product efficacy check
Product safety check
Ingredient list check
Product stability check
Container quality check
Applicator functionality check
Product dosage check
Product pH level check
Product viscosity check
Product absorption check
Product irritation check
Product allergy check

32+ Checkpoints for inspection used by top retailers.

Step-by-step instructions for performance and mechanical tests

99.7% fully satisfied customer with over 200+ clients

Nancy Wan

Senior Supervisor at QCADVISOR, based in Chongqing, China. Nancy has deep expertise in toys and hardware categories, providing detailed and accurate inspection standards. Her hands-on experience ensures quality benchmarks reflect current manufacturing realities, effectively minimizing risks during production.

General Inspection Process

Check the packaging for any signs of damage or tampering.
Inspect the label for accurate and clear product information, including ingredients and usage instructions.
Look for any expiration dates or batch codes to ensure the product is still within its shelf life.
Examine the color and consistency of the product to ensure it matches the expected appearance.
Check for any unusual odors or strong chemical smells that may indicate a problem with the product.
Inspect the product for any visible contaminants, such as foreign particles or mold.
Assess the texture and feel of the product to ensure it is smooth and consistent.
Check the functionality of any pumps, sprays, or dispensers to ensure they are working properly.
Look for any leakage or spillage from the packaging that may indicate a faulty seal or cap.
Examine the size and weight of the product to ensure it matches the expected specifications.
Check for any damage or scratches on the product’s surface that may affect its usability or appearance.
Inspect the product for any signs of discoloration or fading that may indicate poor quality or age.
Assess the overall design and aesthetics of the packaging to ensure it is visually appealing and professional.
Look for any missing or misprinted labels or information that may indicate a counterfeit product.
Check for any safety warnings or precautions on the packaging to ensure the product is safe to use.
Examine the product’s packaging for any eco-friendly or sustainable certifications or labels.
Assess the ease of opening and closing the packaging to ensure it is user-friendly.
Look for any additional features or benefits mentioned on the packaging, such as SPF protection or anti-aging properties.
Check for any allergen warnings or indications of potential skin irritants in the product’s ingredients list.
Assess the overall value for money by comparing the product’s price to its quality and quantity.

Compliance & Lab Standards for Skincare & Cosmetics

When importing Skincare & Cosmetics from suppliers in China, Asia, or other global regions, making sure your products meet the right compliance standards and lab testing requirements is critical. Failing to comply with U.S., EU, or international regulations can result in customs delays, product recalls, or serious damage to your brand reputation. As your boutique QC partner, we help you think ahead.

Below are the key mandatory and recommended standards to keep your shipments compliant, safe, and trusted.

United States

Mandatory

FDA Registration: Products must be registered with the Food and Drug Administration.
Labeling Compliance: Labels must comply with the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.
Ingredient Listing: Must adhere to the FDA’s list of prohibited and restricted ingredients.
GMP Compliance: Follow Good Manufacturing Practices as outlined by the FDA.
Safety Testing: Products must be proven safe for consumer use.

Recommended

Third-Party Lab Testing: Independent testing for contaminants and allergens.
Stability Testing: Ensure product remains effective and safe over time.
Allergen Testing: Screen for common allergens to avoid consumer reactions.

European Union

Mandatory

CPNP Notification: Products must be notified in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal.
EU Cosmetics Regulation Compliance: Adhere to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Responsible Person Appointment: Designate a responsible person within the EU.
Safety Assessment: Products require a safety assessment by a qualified professional.
Labeling Requirements: Must include specific information such as ingredients and expiry dates.

Recommended

Microbiological Testing: Ensure products are free from harmful microorganisms.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluate the product’s environmental footprint.
Vegan/Organic Certification: For products marketed as vegan or organic.

United Kingdom

Mandatory

UK Cosmetics Regulation Compliance: Follow UK-specific cosmetic regulations post-Brexit.
Responsible Person Designation: Appoint a responsible person within the UK.
Safety Assessment: Conduct a safety assessment for all products.
Cosmetic Product Notification: Notify the product through the UK SCPN.

Recommended

Quality Control Testing: Regular testing to maintain quality standards.
Consumer Testing: Conduct consumer trials to confirm product acceptance.
Packaging Compliance: Ensure packaging meets UK environmental standards.

Canada

Mandatory

Health Canada Notification: Notify Health Canada via the Cosmetic Notification Form.
Ingredient Compliance: Adhere to the Hotlist of prohibited and restricted ingredients.
Bilingual Labeling: Labels must be in both English and French.

Recommended

Allergen Testing: Screen for substances that may cause allergic reactions.
Product Efficacy Testing: Validate any claims made on the product labeling.
Biodegradability Testing: Evaluate the environmental impact of formulations.

Australia

Mandatory

NICNAS Registration: Register with the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme.
TGA Compliance: Products with therapeutic claims must comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration standards.
Ingredient Restrictions: Comply with the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances.

Recommended

Dermatological Testing: Test products for dermatological safety and sensitivity.
SPF Testing: Required for sunscreens to validate sun protection factor claims.
Eco-Friendly Certification: For products marketed as environmentally sustainable.

Gulf Countries

Mandatory

GCC Standardization: Comply with Gulf Cooperation Council cosmetic regulations.
SFDA Registration (for Saudi Arabia): Register with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
Labeling Requirements: Must include country-specific labeling requirements.

Recommended

Halal Certification: For products marketed in regions with a preference for halal products.
Temperature Stability Testing: Ensure product stability in high-temperature climates.
Consumer Safety Testing: Additional testing for consumer safety and satisfaction.

Singapore

Mandatory

HSA Notification: Notify the Health Sciences Authority before sale.
Cosmetic Products Registration: Comply with Singapore’s specific cosmetic product regulations.
Ingredient Compliance: Adhere to ASEAN Cosmetic Directive standards.

Recommended

Market-Specific Testing: Conduct testing relevant to local consumer preferences.
Safety and Efficacy Studies: Validate product safety and claimed benefits.
Sustainability Assessment: Evaluate the environmental and social impact of products.

Hong Kong

Mandatory

Import License: Obtain an import license from the Department of Health if required.
Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance Compliance: Ensure products meet local safety standards.
Labeling Compliance: Labels must comply with Hong Kong labeling regulations.

Recommended

Heavy Metal Testing: Screen for heavy metals that may be present in formulations.
Consumer Preference Testing: Conduct local consumer trials for market acceptance.
Product Quality Assurance: Ongoing testing to ensure consistent quality and safety.

Need more details on Skincare & Cosmetics Checklist?

What is inside this checklist

Microbiological testing
Stability testing
pH testing
Heavy metal testing
Allergen testing
Packaging integrity testing
Sensory evaluation testing
SPF testing
Preservative efficacy testing
Ingredient analysis testing

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