Do I Need a CPSR for My Cosmetic Product?

If you’re developing or selling cosmetic products in the UK or EU, understanding your legal obligations is crucial — and one of the most important is the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR).

What Is a CPSR?

A CPSR is a formal safety assessment that confirms your cosmetic product is safe for consumer use. It includes:

  • A review of your product’s formulation and raw materials
  • Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) and Stability Testing data
  • Packaging analysis
  • Toxicological evaluation of ingredients

This report must be completed by a qualified safety assessor and is a legal requirement under both UK and EU cosmetic regulations (EC No. 1223/2009 and Schedule 34 of the Product Safety and Metrology SI Regulations).

So, Do You Need a CPSR?

Yes — if your product is a cosmetic.

Any product that meets the definition of a cosmetic and is intended for sale in the UK or EU must have a CPSR before it can be legally marketed.

A cosmetic product is defined as one intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance — including skincare, makeup, haircare, and personal hygiene products.

If your product:

  • Is applied externally (not ingested, inhaled, injected, or implanted)
  • Is intended to improve appearance or hygiene
  • Is not classified as a medicine, biocide, or aromatherapy product

…then it likely falls under cosmetic regulations and requires a CPSR.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a CPSR?

Selling a cosmetic product without a CPSR is illegal in the UK and EU. It can result in:

  • Product recalls
  • Fines or legal action
  • Damage to your brand’s reputation

How Melbec Can Help

Melbec Microbiology offers a full suite of regulatory services, including:

  • CPSRs with a turnaround time of up to 10 working days (once all documents are received)
  • Support with Product Information Files (PIFs)
  • Label reviews for compliance
  • INCI list creation
  • Global compliance checks for international markets

Their experienced regulatory team will guide you through the process, ensuring your product meets all legal requirements before launch.

Not Sure If Your Product Qualifies?

If you’re unsure whether your product needs a CPSR, Melbec’s team can help you determine the correct classification and next steps. Reach out for a consultation or quote via clientservices@melbecmicrobiology.co.uk.

Stay compliant. Stay confident.

Let Melbec help you bring safe, high-quality cosmetic products to market.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related Posts

    • How to Legally Place a Cosmetic Product on the UK Market: A Step-by-Step Guide

      Published On: December 3, 2025

      Launching a cosmetic product in the UK is an exciting venture, but it comes with a clear set of regulatory responsibilities to ensure consumer safety and legal compliance. If you're considering bringing a cosmetic product [...]

    • [EU] EU Member States Seek One-Year Delay in Deforestation Law Enforcement

      Published On: November 13, 2025

      EU member states, along with several non-EU countries, traders, and operators, are calling for an additional year to comply with the European Union’s landmark deforestation regulation. Originally set to take effect sooner, the EU announced [...]

    • [EU] CTPA Launches Survey To Inform Classification of Tea Tree Oil

      Published On: November 7, 2025

      Following the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) final opinion on the reprotoxic classification of Tea Tree Oil, the CTPA has launched a public consultation to allow industry and other stakeholders to submit evidence to inform [...]