Division 3.2 Physical/chemical characteristics and stability of the cosmetic product

The aim of that section of the cosmetic product safety report is to describe the relevant physical and chemical specifications of the substances or mixtures used and the cosmetic product itself. These specifications are crucial for an appropriate safety assessment, as they may influence the safety of a cosmetic product. For example, physico-chemical properties, in combination with other information, can help the safety assessor determine the need to investigate relevant toxicological parameters.

In addition, the physico-chemical characteristics of the substances or mixtures and finished products set the benchmark against which the products and the raw materials can be considered acceptable from a quality point of view ^f1 .

That section of the cosmetic product safety report also requires an assessment of the stability of the cosmetic product, under reasonably foreseeable storage conditions. The aim is to evaluate if the stability of the cosmetic product affects the safety and quality of the product, and to use the information to determine its minimum durability and period-after-opening (PAO).