Vegan Cosmetic Challenge Testing
Isca Cosmetic Testing have partnered with The Vegan Society™ to certify several microbiological test methods. Existing micro test protocols require the use of culture media and auxiliaries that contain animal by-products. Our new methods replace these substances with vegan alternatives, which have been validated to ensure equal performance. Isca’s vegan certified methods include Preservative Efficacy Tests (PET), such as EP / USP challenge tests, and Total Viable Counts.
Vegan PET test selection
Vegan TVC testing
PET test details
The Vegan Society
Vegan Society approved PET tests
EP, USP or ISO Vegan PET test?
Our Vegan Society™ approved PET tests are modified versions of the EP, USP and ISO standards that enable us to conduct equivalent tests without the use of animal derived materials.
The EP test method for Europe / UK and the USP method for the USA are well established protocols, offering formulators confidence that their products are robustly protected. The methods are also accepted in many other territories.
The ISO 11930 method has been introduced more recently. Although it is considered a less stringent test than the EP or USP, unlike these Pharmacopoeia test methods, ISO 11930 was designed specifically with cosmetics in mind.
Vegan TVC testing
Total Viable Count (TVC) checks the microbial condition of a cosmetic product immediately after manufacture, or when in its finished packaging.
Our Vegan Society™ approved TVC test is conducted without the use of animal derived products.
This test indicates whether there are sources of contamination present (either from raw materials, water, mixing equipment, filling lines or packaging).
| EP | USP | ISO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incubation (days) | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Sample required (g) | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Total Species | 4/5 | 5 | 5 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | ● | ● | ● |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | ● | ● | ● |
| Candida albicans | ● | ● | ● |
| Aspergillus brasiliensis | ● | ● | ● |
| Escherichia coli | ○ | ● | ● |
PET test details
The major differences between the methods are noted in the table opposite. For oral care products, testing against Escherichia coli is an additional requirement of the EP method. The cost of a cosmetic challenge test varies by the type chosen.
The ISO 11930:2019 method uses less stringent pass criteria compared to the pharmacopoeia methods.
The Vegan Society™
Isca Cosmetic Testing have partnered with The Vegan Society™ to certify several microbiological test methods. Existing micro test protocols require the use of culture media and auxiliaries that contain animal by-products. Our new methods replace these substances with vegan alternatives, which have been validated to ensure equal performance. Isca’s vegan certified methods include Preservative Efficacy Tests (PET), such as EP / USP challenge tests, and Total Viable Counts.