Our work
It is imperative that products used on a day-to-day basis by the general population are safe. Unlike in industrial settings, where users are trained and have access to the necessary protective equipment, consumers at home have to trust that the products they buy are safe. We are experienced in the assessment of cosmetics and other consumer products, and can assist with their evaluation before they go to market – for example through screening out undesirable chemicals – and if specific concerns are raised during their lifetime.
Even if they aren’t covered by a sector-specific regulation, companies are still required by the General Product Safety Regulation to ensure that their products are safe for use. This includes an understanding of the risks posed by the product as a whole, but also any potential residual substances that may be present in trace amounts from the manufacturing process. We can assist with the understanding of the health hazards and risks associated with a wide range of consumer products.
Cosmetics
Cosmetic products are often mixtures – and even mixtures of mixtures. This makes carrying out a defensible toxicological assessment very challenging. The ban on testing cosmetic ingredients on vertebrate animals adds a further complication. Through collaboration with our clients, our skills in searching the toxicological literature and carrying out read-across and (Q)SAR assessments, we are able to provide robust evaluations of safety, including for Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs) as required in the EU under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.
Helpful information
The General Product Safety Regulations
Some of our case studies in this area
Making sense of skin sensitisation
Blog articles
From cosmetics to cleaning products, skin allergy (sensitisation) is a prominent feature of our modern chemical-centric world. Put simply, this hazard is an abnormal reaction of the immune system which makes certain individuals overly sensitive to particular chemicals. Read more in our blog, to help you make sense of sensitisation.
Knowledge is key. Part 2: The bibra TRACE database (and supporting databank)
Blog articles
In Part 1, Peter Watts gave a potted history of his personal early experience in literature searching and toxicity data identification. Along with our colleagues of the same 'fine vintage', he weathered the storms of change, progressing from a time of back-strain (from carrying huge texts around) and index finger wear (turning pages) to dial-up and then to web-based searching. With your indulgence, Pete would now like to expand a little regarding TRACE and its value to clients and the bibra toxicologists.
Knowledge is key. Part 1: Toxicity literature searching, a personal history
Blog articles
Our Toxicology Director, Peter Watts, has written a very interesting article focussing on toxicity literature searching, from his own perspective (having been at bibra for 40+ years)
