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The interface between a cosmetic formulation and its packaging is a dynamic environment. Over time, chemical constituents from the packaging material may migrate into the product, or conversely, active ingredients from the formula may be absorbed by the container. Packaging materials can interact with cosmetic formulations through:
Migration: Transfer of substances from the packaging material into the product (e.g., monomers, plasticizers, stabilizers, heavy metals)
These interactions can compromise product safety, efficacy, and stability, potentially leading to regulatory non-compliance and consumer health risks.
Alfa Chemistry supports formulators, brand owners, and packaging engineers in selecting and validating packaging systems that meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and consumer safety, covering a comprehensive range of packaging materials including polymers/plastics, glass, metals, alloys, and composite materials.
We evaluate a diverse range of packaging substrates to ensure compatibility with complex cosmetic matrices:
Migration testing quantifies the transfer of substances from packaging materials into cosmetic products under simulated or real-use conditions.
| Analyte Class | Specific Tests | Reference Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metals | Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Antimony (Sb), Barium (Ba), Selenium (Se) | Pb ≤ 0.5 ppm, Cd ≤ 0.2 ppm, Hg ≤ 0.01 ppm |
| Plasticizers | Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP), adipates, citrates, sebacates | DEHP ≤ 1.5 mg/kg, DBP ≤ 0.3 mg/kg, BBP ≤ 1.5 mg/kg |
| Bisphenols | Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF) | BPA ≤ 0.6 mg/kg |
| Monomer Residues | Styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, ethylene, propylene, caprolactam | Styrene ≤ 0.05 mg/kg, acrylonitrile ≤ 0.02 mg/kg |
| Antioxidants | BHA, BHT, TBHQ, Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076 | BHA/BHT ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| UV Stabilizers | Benzophenones, benzotriazoles (UV-327, UV-328), hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) | UV-327/328 ≤ 5 mg/kg |
| Slip Additives | Erucamide, oleamide, stearamide | Custom limits based on risk assessment |
| Formaldehyde | Formaldehyde release from melamine resins, urea-formaldehyde adhesives [Acetylacetone method (UV-Vis), HPLC-UV] | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Primary Aromatic Amines (PAAs) | 20+ carcinogenic amines from azo dyes and polyurethane adhesives | Not detectable (< 0.01 mg/kg) |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | Benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, aldehydes, ketones | Total VOCs ≤ 50 mg/kg |
| Solvent Residues | Acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, hexane | Methanol ≤ 10 mg/kg, ethyl acetate ≤ 50 mg/kg |
| Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, GenX | EU POPs Regulation, pending restrictions |
| Oligomers & Degradation Products | PET/PE/PP oligomers, hydrolysis products, oxidation products | Custom evaluation |
| Test | Description | Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Phthalate Esters Migration | Quantification of plasticizers from flexible plastics, seals, and printing inks | GC-MS/MS per ISO 8124-6, CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4 |
| Formaldehyde Release | Assessment of formaldehyde from preservatives in adhesives, coatings, and resins | Acetylacetone method (UV-Vis), HPLC-UV |
| Nickel Release | Evaluation of nickel migration from metal components (pump springs, closures, decorative elements) | EN 1811, EN 12472 (simulated wear) |
| Microplastic Release | Quantification and characterization of micro- and nanoplastics released from plastic packaging under mechanical stress or aging | FTIR, Raman, SEM, LDIR; particle size distribution 1-1000 μm |
| Nanoparticle Migration | Assessment of engineered nanomaterials (nano-Ag, nano-TiO2, nano-ZnO, nano-SiO2) migrating from nanocomposite packaging | spICP-MS, TEM, DLS, AF4-MALS |
| Ink & Printing Migration | Transfer of photoinitiators, pigments, solvents, and varnishes through substrate or by set-off | GC-MS, LC-MS, comprehensive migration cell testing |
| Adhesive Migration | Migration of adhesives components (acrylates, cyanoacrylates, hot-melts) from labels and laminates | Headspace-GC-MS, LC-MS/MS |
| Colorant Migration | Migration of colorants from colored plastics, coatings, and printed areas | UV-Vis, HPLC-DAD, migration cell testing |
| Extractables & Leachables (E&L) | Comprehensive identification of all substances that can be extracted under exaggerated conditions or migrate under normal use | GC-MS, LC-HRMS (Orbitrap, Q-TOF), headspace analysis, non-targeted screening |
Barrier properties determine how well a package protects its contents from environmental factors and prevents loss of volatile ingredients.
| Test | Description | Typical Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) | Measures oxygen permeation through packaging materials | High barrier: ≤ 0.1 cc/m2/day; Medium: 0.1-10 cc/m2/day |
| Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) | Measures moisture vapor permeation | High barrier: ≤ 0.5 g/m2/day; Cosmetic creams: ≤ 2-5 g/m2/day |
| UV Light Transmission | Measures transmission of UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (290-320 nm) through packaging | UV barrier ≥ 95% for light-sensitive actives |
| Visible Light Transmission | Measures transparency and light protection | Custom specifications based on product light sensitivity |
| Carbon Dioxide Transmission | For effervescent or CO2-sensitive products | Custom specifications |
| Aroma/Fragrance Barrier | Assessment of fragrance loss through packaging | Sensory evaluation, GC-MS headspace analysis |
| Solvent Permeation | Evaluation of solvent loss through packaging walls | Gravimetric analysis, GC headspace |
These tests evaluate physical and chemical interactions between the product and packaging.
| Test | Description | Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance | Assessment of packaging material resistance to cosmetic formulations | Immersion testing at controlled temperatures (40°C, 50°C); visual inspection, weight change, dimensional change |
| Solvent Resistance | Resistance to specific solvents (ethanol, oils, esters, hydrocarbons) | Spot tests, immersion, rub tests |
| Corrosion Testing | Evaluation of metal packaging corrosion by cosmetic formulations | Salt spray testing (ASTM B117), immersion testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy |
| Stress Cracking Resistance | Susceptibility to environmental stress cracking | Bent strip test (ASTM D1693), constant strain tests |
| Preservative Binding | Assessment of preservative loss due to adsorption into packaging | HPLC analysis before/after contact; sorption isotherms |
| Fragrance Sorption | Quantification of fragrance component loss to packaging | GC-MS headspace analysis; partition coefficient determination |
| Colorant Adsorption | Evaluation of dye/pigment loss to packaging | UV-Vis spectrophotometry; color measurement |
| pH Shift | Measurement of pH changes induced by packaging | pH meter; accelerated aging conditions |
| Conductivity/TDS Change | For aqueous products; indication of ionic migration | Conductivity meter |
| Opacity/Clarity Change | Visual changes in product appearance | Turbidimeter; visual grading |
| Test | Description | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Endocrine Disruptor Screening | Assessment of migrating substances for endocrine activity | OECD TG 455 (ER binding), 458 (AR binding), US EPA EDSP |
| Cytotoxicity Testing | Evaluation of migrates for cytotoxic potential | ISO 10993-5; MTT assay on appropriate cell lines |
| Skin Sensitization Potential | In silico and in chemico assessment of migrates | OECD TG 442C (DPRA), 442D (ARE-Nrf2), 442E (h-CLAT) |
| Mutagenicity/Ames Testing | Assessment of genotoxic potential | OECD TG 471 (bacterial reverse mutation) |
| Toxicological Risk Assessment | Safety evaluation based on migration levels and toxicological data | SCCS Notes of Guidance, TTC approach |
A: Extractables are substances that can be extracted from packaging materials under exaggerated conditions (high temperature, aggressive solvents, prolonged contact). Leachables are substances that actually migrate into the product under normal storage and use conditions. Extractables represent a "worst-case" scenario and help identify potential leachables, while leachables are directly relevant to consumer safety.
A: Yes. Bio-based or recycled plastics often have different barrier properties and impurity profiles compared to virgin polymers. We offer specialized Permeability (OTR/WVTR) and degradation product testing to ensure that eco-friendly packaging provides the same level of protection and inertness as traditional materials.
A:
Please kindly note that our products are for research use only.
If you have any questions, please contact us. You will get a satisfactory answer.
