Maintenance test cosmetics, also known as Challenge test, is one of the basic tests performed in cosmetic and microbiological laboratory. It allows you to check whether the applied preservative system effectively protects the product against microbial growth during use.

What is a challenge test?

Maintenance test it involves the controlled introduction of specific strains of microorganisms into a cosmetic sample that previously meets microbiological purity requirements. The product is then observed to see how it copes with their elimination over a specified period.

In practice, this means that The preservative efficacy test demonstrates the real-world preservation effectiveness in the finished formulation., and not just declarations resulting from the composition.

The study can be carried out using various methods, but in practice the most commonly used are:

• BS EN ISO 11930:2019 – standard of maintenance effectiveness assessment,

• PN-EN ISO 29621:2011 – for low microbiological risk products.

During the test, microorganisms such as the following are used:

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Escherichia coli

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Candida albicans

• Aspergillus brasiliensis

Each strain is analysed separately, and the cosmetic sample is subjected to control by 28 days at specified time intervals. The final results are compared with the permissible values, which makes it possible to assess whether preservative efficacy test ended with a positive result.

Why is a cosmetic preservation test carried out?

The main objective of the study is to confirm that the cosmetic product remains microbiologically safe throughout its period of use. Maintenance test cosmetics ensures that the product will not become an environment favourable to the growth of bacteria and fungi.

In practice, the test is performed in order to:

• verify the effectiveness of the preservative system as early as the formula development stage,

• check whether the manufacturing process does not reduce the effectiveness of preservation,

• reduce the risk of complaints and quality issues,

• prepare the complete documentation for the cosmetic product safety assessment.

A well-conducted challenge test gives the manufacturer concrete information: whether the cosmetic product is adequately protected against microbiological contamination under real conditions of use.

Maintenance test vs legal requirements

Carrying out the test is not solely a matter of good practice, but also of legal obligations. Pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, it is necessary to carry out a safety assessment of the cosmetic product and to prepare a safety report.

In this process maintenance test (Challenge test) forms an important element of the documentation, confirming the microbiological quality of the product.

Where to perform a cosmetic preservation test?

If you care about a reliable product assessment and support at the research stage, it is worth cooperating with an experienced laboratory team. At MPR Labs you will perform maintenance test – Challenge test – in accordance with current research standards and cosmetics requirements.

Need to commission testing or registration for your cosmetics? Write to us via https://mpr-labs.com.