CPSR Explained: Why Cosmetic Safety Assessment Is Essential for EU and UK Market Access

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Before any cosmetic product can be legally placed on the EU or UK market, it must undergo a cosmetic safety assessment (CPSR). This is not just a regulatory requirement—it is the foundation of product safety, compliance, and consumer trust.

We help brands ensure that their products fully comply with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the UK equivalent legislation, guiding them through every step of the CPSR process efficiently and accurately.

What Is a Cosmetic Safety Assessment (CPSR)?

The Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) is a mandatory document that evaluates whether a cosmetic product is safe for human use.

It consists of two parts:

  • Part A – Safety information about the product
  • Part B – Safety assessment and conclusion

The safety assessment itself represents the critical step where a qualified expert evaluates all available data and confirms whether the product complies with EU and UK safety standards.

Without a completed CPSR, a cosmetic product cannot legally enter the EU or UK market.

What Data Is Required for CPSR?

The safety assessment is based on a comprehensive set of technical and scientific data provided in Part A of the CPSR.

We work closely with brands to collect and review all required documentation, including:

  • Full product formulation (qualitative and quantitative composition)
  • Toxicological profiles of ingredients
  • Raw material specifications
  • Physical and chemical characteristics of the product
  • Microbiological quality and preservation testing
  • Stability data and packaging compatibility
  • Intended use and exposure scenarios
  • Packaging material information

Each of these elements plays a crucial role in determining product safety.

How the Safety Assessment Is Performed

The CPSR is conducted by a qualified safety assessor who carefully evaluates all provided data.

The process includes:

  • Verifying compliance of ingredients with EU/UK restrictions
  • Reviewing toxicological profiles
  • Assessing exposure levels for consumers
  • Calculating safety margins based on NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level)
  • Determining the Margin of Safety (MoS)

Based on this scientific evaluation, the assessor concludes whether the product is safe for use under normal and foreseeable conditions.

What Is Included in the Final CPSR?

The final Cosmetic Product Safety Report includes:

  • A clear conclusion on product safety
  • Scientific justification of the assessment
  • Required warnings and precautions for labelling
  • Details and credentials of the safety assessor

This document becomes a key part of the Product Information File (PIF), which must be available for inspection by authorities at any time.

Legal Obligation Before Market Placement

Under Article 10 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, the responsible person must ensure that:

  • The product has undergone a safety assessment
  • The CPSR has been completed in accordance with Annex I
  • All relevant safety data has been properly evaluated

This requirement applies to every cosmetic product placed on the EU or UK market—without exception.

Who Can Perform a CPSR?

Not just anyone can perform a cosmetic safety assessment.

The regulation clearly states that the assessment must be carried out by a qualified professional with a university degree in:

  • Pharmacy
  • Toxicology
  • Medicine
  • Or a related scientific discipline

In addition, the assessor must have strong knowledge of EU/UK cosmetic regulations and practical experience in safety evaluation.

We ensure that all assessments are performed by certified experts who meet these strict criteria.

Fast and Reliable CPSR Delivery

Speed is often critical when launching new products.

Thanks to our extensive toxicological database and advanced internal tools, we can deliver a complete CPSR in as little as 3 working days, once all required documentation is provided.

This allows brands to significantly accelerate their time-to-market without compromising on compliance or quality.

CPSR Beyond the EU and UK

While CPSR is a requirement in the EU and UK, similar safety assessments are also needed in many other regions worldwide.

These include:

  • Turkey
  • Israel
  • ASEAN countries
  • South America
  • South Africa

This makes CPSR not only a regulatory necessity but also a strategic asset for global expansion.

Our Approach to Cosmetic Safety Compliance

We provide end-to-end support for cosmetic safety assessment, ensuring that every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Our services include:

  • CPSR preparation
  • Toxicological evaluation
  • Ingredient compliance review
  • Regulatory consulting
  • Support for global market expansion

We combine scientific expertise with regulatory knowledge to help brands bring safe and compliant products to market.

Why CPSR Is Critical for Your Brand

A properly prepared CPSR is more than a legal requirement—it is proof that your product is safe, trustworthy, and ready for the market.

Without it, market entry is impossible. With it, you gain:

  • Regulatory approval
  • Consumer confidence
  • Faster product launch
  • Reduced compliance risk

If you are preparing to launch cosmetic products in the EU or UK, we are here to ensure your CPSR is completed quickly, accurately, and fully compliant.