【Inspector Encyclopedia】Introduction to cosmetics inspection standards and basic knowledge Provide professional inspection, factory inspection, certification and audit services

1. Overview and Importance of Cosmetics Inspection

As specialized products applied directly to the human body, the quality and safety of cosmetics are directly linked to consumer health. Cosmetics inspection is not limited to laboratory testing; it requires a comprehensive quality control system, from raw material acceptance to finished product shipment. This article systematically introduces the professional knowledge of cosmetics inspection, providing practical guidance for inspectors, quality control personnel, and related practitioners.

2. Preparation before inspection and key points of factory inspection

1. Factory inspection qualification review

• Review the cosmetics production license and relevant qualification certificates of the manufacturer

• Check the quality management system certification status (ISO22716/GMPC, etc.)

• Evaluate suppliers' raw material procurement channels and quality control systems

2. Production environment assessment

• Check the cleanliness level and temperature and humidity control records of the production workshop

• Verify the effectiveness of disinfection equipment and processes

• Evaluate personnel hygiene management and training records

3. Inspection equipment calibration verification

• Check the calibration status and expiration date of testing equipment

• Verify the suitability and accuracy of laboratory equipment

• Review equipment maintenance records

3. Cosmetics professional terminology system

1. Routine inspection items

Refers to the items that must be inspected for each batch of products, including physical and chemical indicators, sensory indicators, total bacterial count (including hygienic indicators), weight indicators, and appearance requirements. These items are the basic inspection content during the inspection process.

2. Non-routine inspection items

Refers to items that are not tested batch by batch, such as other items in the hygiene index except the total bacterial count. These items are usually tested during type inspection or regular factory inspection.

3. Definition of unit product and batch

• Unit product: refers to a single piece of cosmetics, with bottles, tubes, bags, and boxes as the unit of measurement.

• Inspection batch: Products with the same process conditions, varieties and production dates are considered as one batch

IV. Inspection classification and inspection process

1. Delivery inspection process

Before leaving the factory, the manufacturer's inspection department will inspect each product batch according to the product standards. Only those that meet the standards can leave the factory. The consignee can conduct acceptance inspection according to the standards for the delivery batch.

Key items of delivery inspection :

• Packaging integrity and labeling accuracy

• Sensory indicators (color, aroma, texture)

• Physical and chemical indicators (pH value, viscosity, etc.)

• Hygiene indicators (total bacteria count)

• Net content verification

2. Type inspection requirements

Type inspection shall generally be carried out at least once a year and must be carried out in the following special circumstances:

• When there are major changes in raw materials, processes, or formulas

• When resuming production after a long period of suspension (more than 6 months)

• When the factory inspection results are significantly different from the last type inspection

• When the national quality supervision agency makes a request

Type inspection scope : including routine inspection items and non-routine inspection items

V. Sampling Plan and Inspection Sampling Standards

1. Delivery inspection sampling plan

• The packaging appearance inspection is carried out according to the secondary sampling plan of GB/T 2828.1-2003.

• Destructive test items are sampled according to IL=S-3, AQL=4.0 standards

• Randomly select corresponding samples for sensory physical and chemical indicators and hygiene index tests

• Quality (capacity) index inspection randomly selects 10 unit samples

2. Type inspection sampling plan

• Routine inspection items are based on the delivery inspection results

• For non-routine inspection items, 2-3 units of samples are taken from any batch of products.

VI. Judgment Rules and Quality Assessment

1. Delivery inspection criteria

• If the hygiene index does not meet the standard, it will be judged as an unqualified batch.

• If the sensory physical and chemical indicators are unqualified, re-testing is allowed, and unqualified batches are judged as unqualified

• If the quality (capacity) index fails to meet the requirements, double re-test is allowed. If it still fails to meet the requirements, it will be judged as an unqualified batch.

2. Type inspection criteria

• The judgment of routine inspection items is the same as that of delivery inspection

• If any one of the non-routine inspection items fails, the entire batch of products will be deemed unqualified.

3. Arbitration Inspection Procedure

When a dispute arises between the supply and demand parties regarding product quality, both parties shall jointly conduct sampling inspection, or entrust a higher-level quality inspection station to conduct arbitration inspection.

VII. Transfer Rules and Inspection Level Adjustments

1. From normal inspection to strict inspection

During normal inspection, if 2 out of 5 consecutive batches fail the initial inspection, the next batch will be transferred to stricter inspection.

2. From strict inspection to normal inspection

When conducting a stricter inspection, if five consecutive batches pass the initial inspection, the next batch of inspection will be transferred to the normal inspection.

8. Stop and resume mechanism for inspection

After the start of the stricter inspection, if the number of unqualified batches reaches 5, the product delivery inspection will be temporarily suspended. After the suspension of inspection, if the manufacturer has indeed taken effective measures, the inspection can be resumed with the approval of the competent department, generally starting with the stricter inspection.

9. Post-inspection disposal and non-conforming product management

• For batches with unqualified quality (volume) and Class B unqualified batches, the manufacturer is allowed to submit them for inspection again after appropriate processing.

• For Class C unqualified batches, the manufacturer shall submit them for inspection again after appropriate treatment and inspection shall be carried out according to the stricter sampling plan.

• All defective product handling processes must be recorded in detail and traceable

10. Stability Testing and Quality Verification

1. Heat resistance test inspection method

• Adjust the electric constant temperature incubator to (40±1)℃

• Take two samples and place one in an incubator for 24 hours.

• After returning to room temperature, check whether there is any thinning, discoloration, or stratification.

• Inspection records must record test results and judgment basis in detail

2. Cold resistance test inspection procedures

• Adjust the refrigerator to (-5~-15)℃±1℃

• Take two samples and keep one in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

• Compare product status changes after returning to room temperature

• The inspector needs to confirm that the test conditions meet the product standard requirements

3. Centrifuge test inspection standards

• Place the sample in a centrifuge and test at a speed of (2000~4000) r/min for 30 minutes

• Observe the separation and stratification of the product

• When inspecting the goods, you need to confirm that the centrifuge parameters are set correctly

4. Color stability inspection test

• Using ultraviolet irradiation method or drying oven heating method

• Test at specified temperature and time

• Inspection records must include color comparison data before and after the test

11. General inspection methods and practical inspection

1. pH value determination inspection method

• Prepare the sample solution according to the standard method

• Measure using a calibrated pH meter

• When inspecting the product, you need to confirm the instrument calibration status and measure the ambient temperature.

2. Viscosity measurement inspection procedure

• Measured using a rotational viscometer

• Strictly control the measurement temperature and sample handling method

• Inspection records must include instrument model, speed and measurement results

3. Turbidity test standards

• Turbidity assessment by visual inspection

• Strictly control test temperature and time

• Standard control samples should be used for comparison when inspecting goods

4. Relative density inspection and determination

• Using a precision density meter or pycnometer method

• Strictly control the measurement temperature and environmental conditions

• Inspection records must include measurement methods and results

5. Inspection and determination of flavor content

• Determination of flavor content by ether extraction

• Strictly control extraction conditions and weighing accuracy

• The purity of reagents and the accuracy of instruments must be confirmed during inspection

12. Inspection Report and Quality Record Requirements

• Detailed records of all inspection data and results

• Take photos and describe the non-conforming items in detail

• Issue professional inspection reports and make improvement suggestions

• Keep complete inspection records for traceability and factory audit

13. Summary

Cosmetics inspection is a systematic quality assurance process that requires inspectors to possess specialized knowledge and extensive experience. Through rigorous inspection procedures and scientific testing methods, the quality, safety, and stability of cosmetic products can be ensured. Inspectors are advised to continuously learn new knowledge and promptly update inspection standards to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of their inspection work, thereby providing consumers with safe and reliable cosmetic products.

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