Colin

I am a formulation scientist, inventor, manager, beauty blogger, beauty futurologist, science communicator and environmentalist. Biggest achievements to date - Conceiving and formulating one of the top selling pharmaceutical scalp treatment shampoos. Organising the first two Formulate trade shows, now a key feature of the UK cosmetic industry's year. Starting Colin's Beauty Pages, the UK's main blog devoted to cosmetic science and other health and beauty matters. Elected as a Fellow of the Society of Biology 1st October 2013. Specialties: Formulation development, science communication, cosmetic regulatory compliance, rheology, experimental design, finding odd connections between things that nobody else has noticed.I am a formulat

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a GPSR File Easily

REGULATION (EU) 2023/988, also known as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), aims to ensure that products placed on the market are safe for consumers. This regulation applies to all products, including those sold online, and sets out the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, and distributors to ensure product safety.

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Heavy Metals in Cosmetics: Background to Regulations, Risks, and Testing

Dive into the complexities of heavy metals in cosmetics, from historical concerns to current regulations and testing protocols, highlighting China’s efforts to control contamination. All you ever wanted to know about Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Lead, Mercury, and Nickel in cosmetics.

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Global VOC Regulations in Cosmetic Products: Rationale and Practicalities

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals found in cosmetics, which can contribute to air pollution and health issues. While the EU and UK have no specific VOC limits in cosmetics, some VOCs are restricted. California and Switzerland enforce stricter controls to reduce environmental and health impacts.

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WADA Compliant Cosmetics: Do Athletes Need Them?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) fights doping in sports by maintaining the World Anti-Doping Code, including the Prohibited List of banned substances. While cosmetics are generally compliant, rare cases like a UFC fighter testing positive due to chlorphenesin contamination highlight the need for caution, even with seemingly safe ingredients.

WADA Compliant Cosmetics: Do Athletes Need Them? Read More »

How To Waste Time Doing Pointless Consumer Evaluation Studies

Discover common pitfalls in consumer product evaluations and how to avoid them. Learn to craft clear, relevant questions, conduct pilot tests, keep surveys concise, and analyze data effectively. Improve your market research skills to gather valuable insights for product development and marketing, even without a large budget for professional studies.

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Why Sunscreens Are Tricky For Small Businesses

Sunscreens protect against UV radiation, preventing sunburn and premature aging. Despite growing market demand and revenue potential, small businesses face challenges due to strict regulations, high formulation costs, and competitive market. SPF and broad-spectrum testing are crucial for making sun protection claims, posing significant entry barriers.

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What are these responsible person mandates all about?

This post explores the role of the “responsible person” and the use of “mandates” in the cosmetic industry within the EU and UK. It discusses how these practices, although not currently required by law, are emerging as industry standards to ensure compliance with cosmetic regulations, and predicts their future legal significance.

What are these responsible person mandates all about? Read More »

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