With the global skincare market expected to reach $161.3 billion by 2024, the future of beauty is bright. In spite of this, it takes a robust quality control procedure in skincare manufacturing to heighten the quality of products and stand out among the crowds.
At SRG, we believe that quality reigns supreme when it comes to skincare. It is vital to create formulations that go beyond just being effective and consistent, but safe upon application too. But what goes into ensuring the skincare products meet or surpass the expected quality standards before they hit the market? Well, that is where quality control comes in amid the manufacturing process.
Along with the exponential growth in the demand for skincare products, it comes with a corresponding increase in the number of beauty brands. In order to stand out in the oversaturated market, quality is the king that factors in the engagement of one’s skincare brand. With that in mind, it is crucial to ensure that strict quality control and regulations are in place to support product efficacy, consistency, and safety.
To start, let’s dive deep into what quality control is in the aspects of skincare and beauty. We will then look into the importance of quality control in skincare manufacturing. Moreover, we will peel behind the curtains of the skincare product testing standards in Malaysia, whilst shedding light on our overall quality control measures.
What does Quality Control Mean in Skincare Manufacturing?
At its core, “Quality Control”, or “QC” in short, is the process of ensuring that a product meets or exceeds the specified standards of quality. In the aspects of skincare manufacturing, quality control means assessing whether the skincare product is effective, consistent and safe to use.
Quality control is more than just boxes to tick off on a to-do list. From purity and potency tests of raw material testing to the inspection of the finished products, it is a must-have process that involves constant monitoring and evaluation throughout production.
In point of fact, quality control can take many forms throughout the skincare manufacturing process:
Raw Material or Ingredient Testing
The quality of skincare products hinges on the quality of the sourced ingredients. Before the ingredients are mixed according to formulations, each of the raw materials must be thoroughly tested for purity, potency, and potential contaminants.
Manufacturing Process Control
Once the raw materials are approved post-QC, the skincare manufacturing process must be stringently controlled according to safety standards and regulations. This includes everything from the temperature, pH, humidity, and other factors that can affect the product quality.
Packaging & Labeling Assessment
Quality control extends to product packaging and labeling. It is vital to ensure the packaging is durable from external factors that might degrade the skincare quality over time, whilst making sure the labeling of ingredients, expiration date and essential info is accurate.
End-product & Storage Conditions Analysis
Before making certain the end products are warehoused under proper storage conditions, they undergo a final, rigorous inspection of stability and safety to ensure that all of the necessary quality standards are met or exceeded.
All of these are essential for building a strong brand reputation, offering the confidence to target customers so they can have peace of mind knowing that they can rely on the skincare products they get their hands on.
Top 5 Importance of Quality Control in Skincare Manufacturing
In today’s jam-packed beauty industry saturated with countless skincare products, it is essential to prioritize quality control as a whole. Consequently, your skincare products are able to meet the mounting demand for quality and consistency in order to get picked out from the shelves.
Apart from consistency in the product packaging, the quality of what is within has the potential to instill trust and loyalty in target customers. Without it, beauty brands run the risk of releasing skincare products that are inefficient or even harmful to their users. That being said, we will dive deeper into the importance of quality control in skincare manufacturing, which beauty brands cannot afford to overlook.
Ensures Consistency in Formulation & Packaging
Your target customers expect consistency every time they pick up and use your skincare products. For example, suppose the skincare manufacturing process is not monitored or controlled according to the standards stated in GMP, NPRA or other guidelines; there is a high chance it may lead to inconsistent promised results, which can damage your brand reputation.
These regulations ensure that each batch of skincare products is consistent in terms of their formulation, packaging, and labeling whilst delivering promised effects that sustain or expand your customer base.
Verifies the Safety of Skincare Products
Safety is paramount in all production processes, and the same goes for skincare manufacturing. It is vital to prevent any sort of contaminants in one’s skincare products as they are directly applied to the skin, posing a threat to the users’ well-being. Without the proper quality control procedures in place, there will be a risk of harmful ingredients being present in the skincare products.
Apart from safeguarding the well-being of consumers, complying with relevant regulations protects the skincare brand from potential lawsuits and negative publicity that result in the tarnishing of the brand’s name.
Get Certified for Competitive Advantage
With robust quality control measures in place, skincare products are able to get certified or accredited amid the heavily-regulated ecosystem. Achieving such endorsements proves that said skincare product meets or exceeds the beauty industry guidelines and standards.
Typically, the accreditations printed on packaging demonstrate a skincare brand’s commitment to quality, thus increasing credibility that leads to an increase in product engagement, sales and revenue. Taken as a whole, skincare brands may be assured a quality-based competitive edge.
Improves Customer Satisfaction & Brand Reputation
As cliché as it may sound, a company’s biggest asset is its consumers. However, such a cliché rings true because there will be no business without customers. And truth be told, if customers do not have confidence in your brand, they will move on to another brand.
This is where quality control comes in as a critical differentiator in gaining market attention, allowing only high-quality products to be delivered consistently. By prioritizing quality control, skincare brands are able to ensure that the consumers’ expectation is met in the long run, building a solid brand reputation upon trust.
Increases Manufacturing Efficiency & Saves Costs
As an integral part of the skincare manufacturing process, investing in quality control is more than just meeting regulatory standards or requirements. It is also about proactively detecting costly defects or errors early on before getting rejected or hitting the shelves.
This, in return, manufacturers can make adjustments in advance, therefore leading to a streamlined manufacturing process that saves time and resources, which, in due course, translates into cost savings. In addition, it also ensures that the skincare products are delivered according to the campaign timeline and in tip-top condition.
Skincare Product Testing Standards in Malaysia
The skincare product testing standards in Malaysia are held to a high level, and accompanied by stringent guidelines enforced by the government’s regulatory bodies. Skincare products of any kind that will hit the shelves in Malaysia must undergo systematic testing and assessment to get approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), a division of the Ministry of Health Malaysia. This regulatory agency will review the results of all tests on effectiveness, safety, and more, as well as the skincare product’s label claims to ensure they are accurate and not misleading.
Along with government regulatory bodies, most skincare brands to be made available in Malaysia follow additional standards set by independent organizations such as the Halal Certification Authority. In Malaysia, where the majority of the population is Muslim, getting skincare products halal-certified is vital when it comes to assuring your products are permissible for use by Muslim customers.
General Skincare Product Testing Standards & Practices
On the whole, the established guidelines and standards for skincare product testing are as below. Note that the specific product analysis may differ depending on the particular product’s intended use, formulation and claims.
Microbial Limit Test
Determine the level of microbial contamination within a product to ensure it is safe to use.
Heavy Metals Test
Ensure the product does not contain harmful levels of heavy metals, such as lead and more.
Stability Test
Make sure the product maintains its stability even stored in varied conditions over time.
Skin Irritation Test
Examine the potential or likelihood for the product to cause skin sensitization or irritation.
Sensory Evaluation
Assess the appearance, texture, and smell of the product so it is pleasant for customers to use.
Phototoxicity & Photosensitization Test
Evaluate the potential or product to cause skin sensitization when being exposed to sunlight.
How to Register Cosmetic Product in Malaysia?
For beauty or skincare brands that wish to register a cosmetic product in Malaysia, one has to follow the guidelines provided by the NPRA. The general steps are as below:
Determine the Cosmetic Product Category
Based on the classification provided by the NPRA, determine which category is based on the intended use of your product, i.e. skincare, hair care, oral care, etc.
Collect Necessary Documents & Information
Gather all the required documentation and accurate registration info, including the formulation, manufacturing process, certifications, product packaging and labelling, etc.
Submit the Application with the Registration Fee
Submit the registration online through the eCosmetic Notification System (eCNS) or through the NPRA office, including all the necessary documents and the registration fee.
Wait for NPR’s Approval & Notification
After assessing all that is necessary, the NPRA will notify the approval status within a specific timeframe that depends on the category of the product.
Post-registration Compliances
Once the product is successfully registered, one must comply with the guidelines stated by the NPRA, i.e. product claims, post-market surveillance, etc.
At SRG, our regulatory registration team helps all of our clients with various certification applications like so. Leave the overwhelming registration process to our experienced regulatory experts, as every process is unique on its own, depending on the specific requirements of your beauty product.
Quality Control – The Backbone of Skincare Manufacturing
With an aim in mind to safeguard the interest of our global clientele, it is SRG’s priority to go above and beyond when it comes to exceeding international safety and quality standards.
Rest assured that our overall operations, from conceptualization to delivery, comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) alongside a robust set of product quality testing and inspection. Specifically, your skincare products from us will undergo in-house efficacy analysis, with 32 safety checkpoints, including freeze-thaw packaging safety tests and more.
The skincare manufacturing industry without practical quality control in place would be like a ship without a compass. It is an essential element for any beauty brand that wishes to leave a mark in the competitive realm of skincare.
Taking quality control into consideration and positioning it as a high priority, we can ensure that the skincare products are safe, effective, and consistent as a whole. For that reason, beauty brands can earn the trust and loyalty of target customers whilst differentiating their skincare products from the rest.
Fret not, as we are here to take the stress of quality control out of your beauty business. As we pride ourselves as one of the most sought-after skincare OEM manufacturers, partnering with us allows you to access holistic skincare OEM solutions that include a robust quality control service.
Contact us today to explore what we have to offer in hopes of taking your skincare brand to the next level. Let’s make your vision a reality, together.
