Glossary · Testing

Challenge test (preservative efficacy)

What it means

A test in which a product is deliberately contaminated with set microorganisms to check that its preservative system reduces them fast enough. ISO 11930 is the standard method.

Sources: 12

Why it matters

Regulators and retailers expect this data before a product is placed on the market, and it feeds directly into the safety assessment and the product file.

How Guires CSL applies it

Guires CSL formulation, testing, clinical and regulatory teams work with Challenge test on client projects every week, from the first brief to the final product file.

ISO 11930 guide

References

  1. Regulation Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products. OJ L 342, 22.12.2009, p. 59 (consolidated version 1 May 2026). eur-lex.europa.eu
  2. Standard ISO 11930:2019 (Amd 1:2022). Cosmetics — Microbiology — Evaluation of the antimicrobial protection of a cosmetic product. www.iso.org

Regulations and standards are listed first, then peer-reviewed literature. Sources checked October 2026.

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