CPSR by product type
CPSR for creams and lotions
Creams and lotions usually contain enough water for bacteria and mould to grow, so preservation is one of the first things we check. Here is what to expect, and how to plan for it.
At a glance
Creams and lotions at a glance
This page covers: Body lotion, hand cream, face cream and water-based body butter.
Typical for this type of product, not an assessment of your recipe. Skip to what to send
Documents
What to send us
- Your full recipe with exact percentages and INCI namesNeeded to start
- Supplier specifications and safety data sheets, including the preservative and emulsifierNeeded to start
- IFRA certificate and allergen breakdown for any fragrance or essential oilIf it applies
- Challenge test results for this formula (or a closely matching one), unless we accept a documented low-risk caseNeeded to start
- Stability and packaging compatibility evidenceNeeded to start
- Draft label and packaging detailsNeeded to start
- Microbiological test of a production batchHelpful extra
Missing something? Send what you have and we will tell you what else is needed. See the full checklist
Which package
Does it fit our fixed prices?
Yes, with evidence
Creams and lotions with a standard preservative system fit Essential, Filed or Range of 5 once the challenge test and stability evidence are in place. If they are missing, we tell you what is needed and why before going further. Testing is not included in our prices.
Essential £99 + VAT (£118.80 inc VAT), Filed £139 + VAT (£166.80 inc VAT, we submit your SCPN), Range of 5 £595 + VAT (£714 inc VAT). See prices
Good to know
- SPF or sun protection claims are not taken at launch.
- Creams for children under 3 are not taken at launch.
- Claims to treat eczema, psoriasis or other conditions can bring a product under medicines rules.
What we check
What makes creams and lotions different
Preservative system
Ingredients used mainly as preservatives must be on the GB permitted list and within their conditions. We also check the finished formula is protected from contamination.
Challenge test
A preservative efficacy (challenge) test shows the product resists contamination in use. It is the usual evidence for water-based creams and lotions.
Stability
Does the emulsion stay together, and do colour, smell, thickness and pH hold over time and in heat? We look at your stability evidence.
Packaging compatibility
Jars, pumps and tubes behave differently. We consider how the pack protects the product and how fingers get into it.
Fragrance in a leave-on
Leave-on products usually allow less fragrance than rinse-off ones. Fragrance allergens that must be declared are named on the label when they exceed 0.001% in a leave-on product.
Where it is used
Face, hands and whole-body use give different exposures. Eye-area products need particular care, and products for damaged skin raise extra questions.
Questions
Creams and lotions: common questions
Do I need a challenge test for a cream?
Usually. A challenge test (preservative efficacy test) is the normal evidence that a water-based product is protected. It is not required by law for every product, but for standard creams we ask for it unless there is a documented low-risk case. A standard test runs for 28 days at an independent lab, so plan for it early.
Can I use a natural preservative?
A substance used mainly as a preservative must be on the GB permitted preservatives list and used within its conditions. Several naturally derived preservatives are on that list. Whatever system you use, it needs evidence, usually a challenge test, that it protects the product.
Does every size need its own CPSR?
Usually one assessment covers the same recipe in different sizes, as long as the packaging type and use are the same. Tell us about each pack when you submit.
Ready to get your creams and lotions assessed?
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