Making Cosmetics Simple

What's the difference between a PIF and a CPSR?

The CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) is the safety assessment itself, covering the formulation, toxicology and conclusion signed off by a qualified assessor. The PIF (Product Information File) is the wider dossier that houses the CPSR alongside the product description, manufacturing information, labelling and evidence for any claims made. Every cosmetic needs both, working together to prove the product is safe and properly documented before it reaches the shelf.

How long does it take to get a cosmetic product compliant and ready to sell?

Timelines vary by product and market, but most brands can expect the safety assessment, documentation and notification process to take a few weeks once the formulation is finalised and testing is complete. Complex claims, innovative ingredients or multiple markets add time. We work to keep things moving quickly without cutting corners on safety, so you're not left waiting longer than necessary to launch.

What testing do cosmetic products need before sale?

Most cosmetics need microbiological testing to confirm they're free from harmful contamination, heavy metal testing to check trace impurities sit within safe limits, and stability and compatibility testing to prove the product performs as expected in its packaging over its shelf life. The results feed directly into your CPSR, so getting the right testing arranged early avoids delays further down the line.

Can I use claims like "clean," "natural," or "dermatologically tested" on my packaging?

Only if you can substantiate them. Terms like "clean," "natural" or "dermatologically tested" aren't legally defined, so regulators expect solid evidence behind any claim you make, whether that's ingredient sourcing data, formulation records or clinical testing, keeping in mind not to mislead the consumer. Unsubstantiated claims are one of the most common reasons cosmetics fall foul of the rules, even when the product itself is perfectly safe.

Do I need ISO 22716 certification to sell cosmetics?

You don't always need formal ISO 22716 certification, but you do need to manufacture in line with its Good Manufacturing Practice principles, since most markets expect GMP compliance as part of your safety documentation. Certification isn't a legal requirement everywhere, but it's increasingly expected by retailers, distributors and regulators alike, and it makes cross-market expansion considerably easier.

What happens after my product launches, and is compliance a one-off task?

No, compliance doesn't stop at launch. You need to monitor for adverse reactions, keep your PIF and CPSR up to date if the formulation or claims change, and stay on top of regulatory updates as ingredient rules evolve. We offer ongoing compliance support precisely because staying compliant is a continuous responsibility, not a box you tick once and forget.

Do you review marketing claims, social media, paid ads and influencer content, not just packaging?

Yes. Claims compliance doesn't stop at the label, so we review marketing claims wherever they appear, including your website, social media posts, paid advertising and influencer or affiliate content, since regulators treat all of these as regulated marketing. It's often overlooked material like an Instagram caption or a paid ad headline that trips brands up, even when the packaging itself is watertight.

Do you monitor for upcoming regulatory changes, or just handle one-off compliance projects?

Yes, horizon scanning is part of our ongoing support. We track upcoming changes to ingredient restrictions, claims rules and labelling requirements across the markets you sell in, so you hear about a change that affects your product before it becomes a compliance problem, rather than finding out after the fact. It's built into our ongoing compliance service rather than something you need to ask for separately.

What trade associations is Taylored Consultancy a member of?

We're members of the CTPA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association), the Cosmetic Cluster and CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women), which keeps us close to how UK and international cosmetics regulation is actually developing, not just how it reads on paper. That connection feeds directly into the advice we give clients, since we're often aware of a regulatory direction of travel before it's formally confirmed.

Still have questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.