What Does a Cosmetic Product Safety Assessor Do?
If you make or sell cosmetics in the UK or EU, you’ve probably heard the term cosmetic product safety assessor. But what does this person actually do? Why are they important for your business? And what does the law say about their role?
In this blog, we explain what a cosmetic product safety assessor is, what qualifications they must have, and how they help you stay compliant with UK and EU cosmetic law.
What Is a Cosmetic Product Safety Assessor?
A cosmetic product safety assessor is a qualified professional who checks whether your cosmetic product is safe to use. They review your product’s ingredients, packaging, method of manufacture, and other details. Then, they write a formal document called a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR).
The CPSR is a legal requirement under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the UK Cosmetic Regulation. This law applies in the EU and UK and sets the rules for cosmetic products sold on the market.
If you want to legally sell a cosmetic product, you must have a CPSR signed by a qualified safety assessor.
Why Is the CPSR So Important?
The CPSR shows that your product is safe for human health when used under normal or foreseeable conditions.
Without a CPSR, your product is not legally allowed to be sold in the UK/EU.
What Does the Cosmetic Product Safety Assessor Check?
The safety assessor reviews many different aspects of your product before signing the CPSR. These include:
- Ingredients – Are they safe at the levels used? Are there any known risks?
- Toxicological profiles – How do ingredients behave in the body if absorbed?
- Product use – Is it meant for the face, body, or sensitive areas?
- Packaging – Does it interact with the product or affect safety?
- Testing – What tests have been done on the finished product?
A submission form is provided so that it can be filled in with all the necessary information that is used to write the CPSR.
What Qualifications Must a Cosmetic Product Safety Assessor Have?
Geraldine Garrs CChem MRSC
According to Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, a safety assessor must have:
- A university-level degree (or equivalent) in pharmacy, toxicology, medicine, or a similar science, and
- The right experience to carry out a safety assessment.
This is not just a suggestion. It is a legal requirement.
The safety assessor must have enough scientific knowledge to assess product safety properly. In the UK a Chartered Chemist (Royal Society of Chemistry) with a Chemistry degree and suitable experience is deemed to be acceptable and to meet the criteria of the qualifications in Article 10.
Who Needs a Cosmetic Product Safety Assessor?
Any person or business who wants to sell a cosmetic product on the UK /EU market must appoint a Responsible Person (RP). This is usually the brand owner or importer.
The RP must make sure a valid CPSR is in place before the product goes on sale. This means they must work with a qualified cosmetic product safety assessor.
You need a CPSR for all kinds of cosmetic products, including:
- Skincare (creams, lotions, serums)
- Haircare (shampoos, conditioners)
- Makeup (lipsticks, foundations, eye products)
- Body products (scrubs, bath bombs, deodorants)
Even if your product is handmade, natural, or made with traditional ingredients, it still needs a CPSR.
How Do You Choose the Right Safety Assessor?
Look for someone who:
- Understands UK and EU regulations
- Has the right scientific qualifications
- Has experience with small and medium brands
- Can guide you through the whole compliance process
- Offers clear advice and good communication
At General Cosmetic Safety Ltd, we specialise in working with small and medium UK and EU cosmetic brands. We prepare clear, accurate CPSRs and support you from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Working with a qualified cosmetic product safety assessor is not just a legal requirement. It’s also a key step in protecting your customers and your brand.
By making sure your product is safe and properly assessed, you build trust with buyers and avoid legal problems.
If you’re launching a cosmetic product or need help with compliance, speak to a qualified assessor as early as possible. It will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Safety Assessor Qualifications
MSc (Distinction), University of Strathclyde
BSc (Hons) Chemistry, University of Nottingham
Certificate - Safety Assessment of Cosmetics in the EU, Vrije University Brussels
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