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Preservative Effectiveness Testing (PET)
Complete ISO 11930 preservative efficacy testing with suitability and Criteria A/B results for global cosmetic compliance.
Price per sample:
$500
Additional information
| Turnaround Time | 6 weeks |
|---|---|
| Sample Size | 250mL |
ISO 11930 Testing | Preservative Efficacy (PET) Challenge Test
Pentyl Labs provides ISO 11930 testing, including full Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) and suitability checks. This test shows whether a cosmetic product’s preservative system can protect the formula from microbial growth during its shelf life. To do this, we add a set of bacteria, yeast, and mold to the finished product. We then measure how quickly the microorganisms decrease at Day 7, Day 14, and Day 28.
How ISO 11930 Works
Before the challenge test begins, we perform a suitability check. This step confirms that we can recover microorganisms from the product without interference. It is especially important for thick, surfactant-rich, or naturally preserved formulas. With a successful suitability step, the challenge test gives clear and reliable results.
ISO 11930 defines two acceptance levels: Criteria A and Criteria B.
Criteria A is the stricter level. It requires fast reduction of bacteria and no increase in yeast or mold. Products for the eyes, children, or sensitive groups often must meet this level.
Criteria B allows slower reductions but still requires strong control of microbial growth. Rinse-off products and items with lower water activity may qualify for this level.
Why ISO 11930 Testing Matters
Many regions around the world require ISO 11930 for cosmetic compliance. This includes:
-
EU and UK Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSR)
-
Global product notifications
-
MoCRA documentation
-
Retailer and distributor programs
-
Shelf-life and Period After Opening (PAO) support
Most water-based products need ISO 11930 testing. These include creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, shampoos, and liquid makeup. Products with very low water activity may qualify for an exemption, although water activity testing is recommended to confirm this.
For more information, you can also review:
-
OSHA Hazard Communication: https://www.osha.gov/hazcom
-
FDA MoCRA: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/mocra
Related Testing
Many manufacturers pair ISO 11930 with microbial count testing (ISO 21149, ISO 16212, ISO 18415) and stability studies. These additional tests help create a complete safety profile for global submissions. To learn more, visit our Microbiology Testing Overview or our Challenge Test Comparison Guide (internal links).
Contact
Pentyl Labs provides accurate ISO 11930 results with clear Criteria A/B decisions, full suitability evaluation, and compliance-ready reporting.
📧 [email protected]
Description
ISO 11930 Testing | Preservative Efficacy (PET) Challenge Test
Pentyl Labs provides ISO 11930 testing, including full Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) and suitability checks. This test shows whether a cosmetic product’s preservative system can protect the formula from microbial growth during its shelf life. To do this, we add a set of bacteria, yeast, and mold to the finished product. We then measure how quickly the microorganisms decrease at Day 7, Day 14, and Day 28.
How ISO 11930 Works
Before the challenge test begins, we perform a suitability check. This step confirms that we can recover microorganisms from the product without interference. It is especially important for thick, surfactant-rich, or naturally preserved formulas. With a successful suitability step, the challenge test gives clear and reliable results.
ISO 11930 defines two acceptance levels: Criteria A and Criteria B.
Criteria A is the stricter level. It requires fast reduction of bacteria and no increase in yeast or mold. Products for the eyes, children, or sensitive groups often must meet this level.
Criteria B allows slower reductions but still requires strong control of microbial growth. Rinse-off products and items with lower water activity may qualify for this level.
Why ISO 11930 Testing Matters
Many regions around the world require ISO 11930 for cosmetic compliance. This includes:
-
EU and UK Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSR)
-
Global product notifications
-
MoCRA documentation
-
Retailer and distributor programs
-
Shelf-life and Period After Opening (PAO) support
Most water-based products need ISO 11930 testing. These include creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, shampoos, and liquid makeup. Products with very low water activity may qualify for an exemption, although water activity testing is recommended to confirm this.
For more information, you can also review:
-
OSHA Hazard Communication: https://www.osha.gov/hazcom
-
FDA MoCRA: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/mocra
Related Testing
Many manufacturers pair ISO 11930 with microbial count testing (ISO 21149, ISO 16212, ISO 18415) and stability studies. These additional tests help create a complete safety profile for global submissions. To learn more, visit our Microbiology Testing Overview or our Challenge Test Comparison Guide (internal links).
Contact
Pentyl Labs provides accurate ISO 11930 results with clear Criteria A/B decisions, full suitability evaluation, and compliance-ready reporting.
📧 [email protected]
