01 / Stability
Observe whether the formula remains within agreed criteria.
Stability work can assess the formula over defined conditions and checkpoints. The protocol, duration, acceptance criteria, provider and report availability must be confirmed for the actual project.
- Question answered
- Does the formula remain within the agreed physical, chemical or sensory criteria under the defined protocol?
- Not established here
- No universal method, duration or pass result is claimed.
02 / Packaging compatibility
Evaluate the formula and selected component together.
Compatibility work considers interaction between the formula and its bottle, jar, tube, closure, seal or applicator. It is not a substitute for formula stability and does not establish universal component suitability.
03 / Microbiological analysis
Define the microbiological question and supporting documentation.
Microbiological analysis is distinct from preservative efficacy testing. The applicable test scope, sampling point, laboratory, method and report access depend on the product and target market.
04 / Preservative efficacy
Use PET or challenge testing for the preservation question.
Preservative Efficacy Test (PET), also described as challenge testing in some project contexts, evaluates a different question from routine microbiological analysis. Whether it applies and how it is conducted require project confirmation.
- Purpose
- Assess the preservation system under a defined protocol.
- Project boundary
- No claim is made that every product includes or has passed PET.
05 / Format considerations
Connect testing scope to product and use mode.
A serum, oil, scrub, mask or shampoo may create different formula, packaging and use-context considerations. The quality plan should be written around the actual format rather than copied from another SKU.
06 / Evidence request
Ask who tests, what is tested and what can be shared.
Before commitment, confirm whether work is internal or third-party, which specification or method applies, timing, cost, acceptance criteria and what report or summary is available.
- Request
- Applicable reports and documents are available upon request.
- Verify
- Provider, scope, validity, language, signing entity and delivery stage.