Overall migration tests quantify chemical non-volatile substances migrating from the packaging into cosmetics (10 mg per dm² limit). Test findings indicate potential leachables to be further analyzed in the next steps of the Packaging Compatibility process. QACS Labs follow Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with cosmetic formulas.

A and D2 simulants are frequently used and respectively represent hydrophilic or lipophilic types of cosmetic formulas. In order to estimate time and temperature (contact conditions) between simulant and cosmetic packaging, we take the product’s expiry date into account.

QACS Lab identifies a wide range of chemicals that may migrate from both inert and non-inert packaging materials. These include substances such as phthalates, PAHs, bisphenol A, melamine, acetaldehyde, plastic additives, formaldehyde, fluorescent whitening agents, benzophenone, glyoxal, pentachlorophenol, heavy metals, and various monomers.

Because each packaging material can release different chemical types, we also check for SVHCs defined by EFSA based on toxicity data. When the packaging material is unknown, we first identify it using FTIR spectroscopy.

Specific Migration (SM) testing measures leachables released from packaging after controlled extraction. Each substance has its own migration limit based on toxicological evaluation. These results are closely linked to Packaging Compatibility and stability studies, as migration plays a critical role in product safety and long-term performance.

With NIAS screening we

• detect organic volatile substances, which can cause possible organoleptic modifications in the formulation
• perform organic solvent  extractions to detect volatile and semi-volatile substances
• perform multi residual screening to detect organic non-volatile substances

NIAS screening e.g. Non-Intentionally Added Substances detects and quantifies impurities derived from manufacturing, extraction, storage and recycling processes. NIAS screening also detects substances completely unknown, reaction products and degradation products.

Substances not listed in the Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials need to be risk assessed.

Extractables studies identify additives and other substances that can come out of the packaging materials. To increase the rate of extraction, we expose the material sample to an appropriate solvent system under stress conditions. Solvents used in QACS Extractables studies have the same propensity to extract substances as the active substance in the cosmetic formulation.

Leachables studies determine packaging material suitability for intended use. Interaction studies examine packaging and formulation impact and include migration and sorption studies. Migration studies monitor the leaching of substances from the package material into the formulation. Sorption studies assess if the packaging takes in or holds ingredients that could reduce product quality.

Changes in mechanical properties could provoke alterations in packaging performance. Cosmetic packaging materials can undergo mechanical testing both before and after stability studies in order to verify possible changes in mechanical properties throughout all stages of the cosmetic formulation. To increase cosmetic packaging safety we perform:

• Barrier tests to measure gas permeability to ensure the packaging keeps the cosmetic well-protected.
• Tensile strength tests to determine the maximum load to be applied on a packaging material before its breakage or disintegration point.

At QACS we measure functional properties which affect packaging performance. These are Adhesiveness, Elasticity, Hardness, Cohesiveness, Burst strength, Breaking point, Fracturability, Gel strength, Yield strength, Consistency & Relaxation.

Data from functional properties testing on cosmetic packaging is used to measure packaging material functionality in order to substantiate cosmetic package claiming.