LAB EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Your stability testing questions answered The beauty, skin and personal care industry is one of the most fertile grounds for entrepreneurs, particularly here in Africa. This is largely driven by the desire to create products which are better suited to African skins and African conditions. We asked Robyn Brown of Botanichem and Stability Testing Services the most common questions pertaining to stability testing.
A
RECENT REPORT by Technavio forecasts
“The answer is yes,” says Brown. “Whilst it is
that the beauty and personal care
an added expense, stability testing should be built
markets in Africa are poised to grow by
into every product plan.”
$1.26bn between 2021 and 2025, with compound annual growth expected to be almost 2% during the forecast period. According to Brown, this is exciting news
HOW DOES STABILITY TESTING PROTECT A FORMULATION’S SAFETY? Formulation safety is the most important reason
for ingredient suppliers, formulators and
to do stability testing. Your skin care products
consumers. However, in order to capitalise on the
need to be safe for use and must remain safe at
opportunities presented by the market, new and
least until their expiry date.
even established players need to pay attention
“A couple of months of thorough testing
to proper planning, especially when it comes to
can make the difference between a retailer
testing of products.
wanting to sell your product long term or not,”
“We still see many companies rushing products
comments Brown.
to market in order to take advantage of market demands, often cutting corners when it comes to establishing product stability and safety.
DOES TESTING PROTECT A BRAND’S REPUTATION?
This leads to costly recalls and, ultimately, lost
A product’s formulation is part of the brand’s
opportunities,” Brown explains.
identity. Over the years, the industry has seen so
The Stability Testing Services team is constantly asked whether it is really necessary
Botanichem’s Robyn Brown says stability testing is crucial in order to deliver a safe and professional product problem like an emulsion separating can do
many brands recalled due to improper testing. “In the highly competitive world of skin care,
irreparable damage, especially in this era of
to do stability testing when launching a new skin
one bad experience can deter a consumer from
social media,” she explains. “Rather spend the
care product.
ever trying your brand again. Even a simple
extra time and expense at the beginning of
STABILITY TESTING FORMULATION QUALITY ASSURANCE DOSSIER PRESENTATION FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKETS FULL COSMETIC REGULATORY SERVICES
ROBYN BROWN robyn@botanichem.co.za www.botanichem.co.za +27 11 425 2205 +27 84 599 0063
28
QUARTER 3 2021 // P&C AFRICA
Botanichem actively making a change
SUPPLIER OF ACTIVES & TECHNICAL SERVICES Specialists in botanical and natural ingredients.
STS
StabilityTestingServices
