Cosmetic Claims Testing
Cosmetic claims testing is essential for beauty, personal care, and oral care brands that want to make truthful, defensible product claims. At Pentyl Labs, we provide cosmetic claims testing and claim substantiation services that help brands support statements such as clinically tested, dermatologist tested, safe for sensitive skin, clean beauty, and HRIPT-backed claims using scientifically sound methods aligned with regulatory expectations.
Pentyl Labs provides cosmetic claims testing and substantiation services designed to help brands support safety, performance, formulation, and professional-review claims with scientifically defensible methods.
The Regulatory Importance of Claims Substantiation
In the United States, cosmetic and personal care claims are regulated under the authority of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC requires that all advertising claims be:
- Truthful
- Not misleading
- Supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence
This requirement applies to claims made on:
- Product labels and packaging
- Websites and e-commerce listings
- Marketing materials and social media
- Retailer submissions
Unsupported or overstated claims can result in enforcement actions, consumer litigation, retailer delisting, and reputational damage. Pentyl Labs helps brands generate the documentation needed to meet these expectations.
What Is Cosmetic Claims Testing?
Cosmetic claims testing is the scientific evaluation of whether a product meets the claims made about its safety, performance, composition, or professional evaluation. Depending on the claim, testing may involve:
- Laboratory analysis
- Structured safety and tolerance assessments
- Analytical ingredient verification
- Protocol-based performance evaluations
- Independent professional review
Claims testing is not one-size-fits-all — each claim requires an appropriate and defensible testing strategy.
Safety, Tolerance & Professional-Reviewed Claims
Pentyl Labs supports substantiation for a wide range of safety and tolerance claims, including:
- Safe for Sensitive Skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-Irritating
- Dermatologist Tested
- Pediatrician Tested
- Gynecologist Tested
- Ophthalmologist Tested
- Clinically Tested
These claims are typically supported through structured evaluation programs such as:
🔬 Human Repeat Insult Patch Testing (HRIPT)
HRIPT is commonly used to evaluate irritation and sensitization potential and is frequently leveraged to support claims such as:
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Pediatrician tested
👩⚕️ Professional Review & Sign-Off
“Tested” claims (e.g., dermatologist tested, gynecologist tested, ophthalmologist tested) generally indicate that:
- Testing was conducted under defined conditions
- Results were reviewed by a qualified professional
Pentyl Labs coordinates appropriate testing pathways and documentation to support these claims responsibly.
Important: “Tested” claims indicate evaluation — not universal safety for all users.
Clean Beauty & Formulation-Based Claims
Consumers and retailers increasingly demand transparency around ingredients. Pentyl Labs supports substantiation for formulation and “free-from” claims, including:
- Paraben-Free
- Phthalate-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Clean Beauty
- pH-Balanced
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free (documentation-based)
Testing and verification approaches may include:
- Targeted chemical analysis
- Ingredient review and formulation verification
- pH measurement and documentation
- Supplier documentation and traceability review
We help brands ensure these claims are accurate, consistent, and defensible.
Performance & Efficacy Claims
Pentyl Labs also supports testing programs for performance-based claims across cosmetic, personal care, and oral care products, such as:
- Moisturizing / Hydration
- Soothing or Comfort Claims
- Oil Control or Shine Reduction
- Skin Texture or Appearance Improvements
- Teeth Whitening Claims (appearance-based evaluation methods)
Testing protocols are designed based on:
- Product type and intended use
- Claim wording
- Regulatory and retailer expectations
Clinically Tested vs. Clinically Proven
Pentyl Labs helps brands understand and responsibly use clinical terminology:
- Clinically Tested
Indicates the product was evaluated using a defined, structured protocol. - Clinically Proven
Requires stronger statistical support and clearly defined endpoints.
We guide brands on claim wording that aligns with the level of evidence generated, reducing regulatory and legal risk.
Our Claims Substantiation Process
- Claim Review & Risk Assessment
Evaluation of proposed claims against regulatory expectations. - Test Strategy Development
Selection of appropriate laboratory, analytical, or evaluation methods. - Testing & Documentation
Execution of testing using controlled, scientifically sound procedures. - Reporting & Claim Support
Clear reports suitable for regulatory review, retailer submission, and marketing support.
Why Brands Choose Pentyl Labs
- Science-driven, compliance-focused approach
- Experience across cosmetic, personal care, oral care, and consumer products
- Practical guidance on responsible claim wording
- Clear, defensible reporting aligned with FTC expectations
Pentyl Labs serves as a trusted partner in helping brands make strong claims — responsibly.
Substantiate Your Cosmetic & Personal Care Claims with Confidence
If your brand is making — or planning to make — claims such as clinically tested, hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, dermatologist tested, pediatrician tested, gynecologist tested, ophthalmologist tested, paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, pH-balanced, vegan, cruelty-free, clean beauty, HRIPT-supported, or teeth whitening, Pentyl Labs can help you determine the right substantiation strategy.
📩 Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your cosmetic claims testing needs.
