Cosmetic testing and safety assessment

Ensuring the safety, quality, and scientific credibility of cosmetic products is a fundamental requirement in modern cosmetic research and manufacturing. At the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam (AMS Vietnam), cosmetic testing and safety assessment are conducted as an integrated scientific discipline, combining regulatory compliance, advanced analytical science, toxicological evaluation, and clinical research expertise.

AMS Vietnam provides comprehensive cosmetic testing and safety assessment services to support product development, regulatory approval, and post-market assurance. Our work is grounded in internationally recognized scientific standards and aligned with Vietnamese and global cosmetic regulations, ensuring that cosmetic products are safe for consumers and supported by robust scientific evidence.

Cosmetic products are applied directly to the human body and are often used daily over extended periods. As such, their safety cannot be assumed and must be demonstrated through systematic evaluation. Cosmetic safety assessment requires a multidisciplinary approach encompassing chemistry, toxicology, dermatology, microbiology, and clinical science.

AMS Vietnam conducts cosmetic testing in accordance with:

• Vietnamese cosmetic regulations and Ministry of Health guidance
• ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) principles
• International standards such as ISO, OECD guidelines, and SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) frameworks
• Ethical principles governing human research and consumer safety

Our assessments are designed to support product registration, market access, risk management, and consumer trust.

Cosmetic testing and safety assessment at AMS Vietnam covers the full lifecycle of cosmetic products, from formulation development to post-market evaluation.

Ingredient Safety Evaluation

Safety assessment begins with a thorough evaluation of cosmetic ingredients. AMS Vietnam conducts:

• Review of ingredient toxicological profiles
• Assessment of concentration limits and exposure levels
• Evaluation of potential irritation, sensitization, and long-term risks
• Compliance checks against restricted and prohibited substance lists

This step ensures that formulations are scientifically justified and compliant with applicable regulations before further testing.

Physicochemical and Stability Testing

Understanding the physical and chemical properties of cosmetic products is essential for safety and quality assurance. AMS Vietnam performs testing to assess:

• Product composition and consistency
• pH, viscosity, and physicochemical stability
• Shelf-life and storage conditions
• Compatibility between ingredients and packaging materials

These analyses help prevent degradation, contamination, or formulation instability that could compromise consumer safety.

Microbiological Testing

Microbial contamination poses a significant risk in cosmetic products, particularly those applied to the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. AMS Vietnam provides microbiological testing services including:

• Total microbial count
• Detection of specified pathogenic microorganisms
• Preservative efficacy testing (challenge tests)
• Hygiene and contamination risk assessment

These tests ensure that cosmetic products meet microbiological safety standards throughout their intended shelf life.

Cosmetic Safety Assessment Reports (CPSR)

AMS Vietnam prepares comprehensive Cosmetic Product Safety Reports based on scientific data, exposure scenarios, and toxicological evaluation. These reports include:

• Qualitative and quantitative product composition
• Toxicological profiles of individual ingredients
• Exposure assessment based on product use conditions
• Margin of safety calculations
• Overall safety conclusions

CPSRs are prepared by qualified experts and structured to meet regulatory and international review requirements.

In Vitro and Non-Animal Testing Approaches

In alignment with ethical standards and international trends, AMS Vietnam supports the use of validated non-animal testing methods where applicable. These include in vitro assays and alternative models for evaluating skin irritation, corrosion, and sensitization.

The Academy emphasizes scientifically robust and ethically responsible testing strategies that protect both consumers and research integrity.

When appropriate and ethically justified, AMS Vietnam conducts human-based cosmetic safety studies under strict clinical research governance.

Skin Compatibility and Tolerance Studies

These studies evaluate how cosmetic products interact with human skin under controlled conditions. Assessments may include:

• Primary irritation testing
• Repeated application studies
• Patch testing under dermatological supervision
• Monitoring of adverse reactions

All studies are conducted with informed consent, ethical approval, and medical oversight.

Safety-in-Use Studies

Safety-in-use studies assess cosmetic products under real-world conditions. These studies provide evidence that products are safe when used as intended by consumers over a defined period.

Data from these studies support product safety claims and regulatory submissions.

AMS Vietnam maintains rigorous quality management systems across all cosmetic testing and safety assessment activities. This includes:

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Qualified personnel and technical oversight
• Traceable documentation and data integrity controls
• Internal and external quality audits

Ethical oversight is provided through institutional review mechanisms to ensure compliance with human research standards, data protection requirements, and transparency principles.

Cosmetic testing and safety assessment at AMS Vietnam is closely integrated with formulation research and clinical efficacy studies. This integrated model allows for:

• Early identification of safety risks during formulation development
• Optimization of product composition based on scientific evidence
• Alignment between safety, efficacy, and marketing claims
• Reduced time to market through coordinated research planning

By embedding safety assessment into the research process, AMS Vietnam supports responsible innovation in cosmetic science.

AMS Vietnam provides scientific documentation and expert support for cosmetic product registration and regulatory compliance. Our services assist organizations in preparing:

• Safety assessment dossiers
• Technical documentation for regulatory authorities
• Scientific justifications for product claims
• Post-market safety monitoring strategies

This support is valuable for domestic manufacturers, international brands entering the Vietnamese market, and organizations seeking ASEAN or global market alignment.

Consumer safety is the highest priority in cosmetic research. AMS Vietnam operates under the principle that cosmetic innovation must never compromise health or ethical responsibility.

All testing activities are designed to:

• Protect human participants and consumers
• Avoid unnecessary risk
• Ensure transparency and scientific validity
• Uphold public trust in cosmetic products

This commitment reinforces the Academy’s role as an independent and credible scientific authority.

As cosmetic science evolves, AMS Vietnam continues to expand its capabilities in emerging areas such as:

• Advanced skin biology and barrier function research
• Microbiome-friendly cosmetic assessment
• Nanomaterials and novel delivery systems
• Long-term exposure and cumulative risk assessment
• Digital tools and data-driven safety modeling

By staying at the forefront of scientific and regulatory developments, the Academy ensures that its cosmetic safety assessment services remain relevant, rigorous, and future-ready.

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam provides comprehensive cosmetic testing and safety assessment services grounded in scientific excellence, ethical governance, and regulatory alignment. Through multidisciplinary expertise and advanced methodologies, AMS Vietnam supports the development of cosmetic products that are safe, compliant, and trusted by consumers.

Our work contributes not only to product safety but also to the credibility and sustainability of the cosmetic industry, reinforcing the role of science as the foundation of consumer protection and responsible innovation.