How to Get CPSR: Step‑by‑Step Guide for Cosmetic Safety Certification

If you’re planning to launch a cosmetic product in the UK or European market, understanding how to get CPSR is essential. A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement that proves your product is safe for use. 

Whether you’re making soaps, lotions, fragrances or other beauty items, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparatory steps to final submission.

In this article, you’ll learn what a CPSR is, why it matters, who needs it, and exactly how to get CPSR certification in a clear, step‑by‑step way. Let’s dive in.

What Is a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)?

Before you learn how to get CPSR, it’s important to understand what it actually is. A Cosmetic Product Safety Report is a detailed document that demonstrates your cosmetic product is safe for human use when applied under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions. It’s a legal requirement under UK and EU cosmetic regulations for every product placed on the market.

In essence, the CPSR assesses all aspects of your formulation — ingredients, exposure levels, toxicology and potential risks — and concludes whether it’s safe for consumers. A qualified safety assessor must compile and sign this report. Without it, your product cannot be legally sold in regulated markets. This is applicable for any products that touch the skin.

Why CPSR Matters

You might be wondering, “Do I really need this?” The short answer is yes. Knowing how to get CPSR isn’t just a bureaucratic tick‑box — it protects your customers and your business. Here’s why:

✔ Legal Compliance

In the UK and EU, cosmetic products must meet strict safety standards. A CPSR proves your offering complies with these laws. Selling without one can lead to fines, product recalls or being prevented from trading.

✔ Consumer Safety

The CPSR evaluates potential hazards, such as irritation or allergy risks. This means you’re not just complying with the law — you’re protecting real people’s health and well‑being.

✔ Retail and Marketplace Requirements

Many stockists and online marketplaces won’t work with brands that lack proper documentation. A CPSR gives retailers confidence in your product’s quality and compliance.

Who Needs a CPSR?

Anyone selling a cosmetic product in regulated markets must know how to get CPSR. This includes:

• Independent makers and small businesses

• Brands selling online or through shops

• Manufacturers exporting products into the UK or EU

• DIY cosmetics businesses shifting from hobby to commercial

Even if you’re personally making products in small batches, if you plan to sell them, you need a CPSR and associated documentation.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Get CPSR

Now that you know what a CPSR is and why it matters, let’s walk through the exact steps you need to follow:

1. Compile All Product Information

The first step in learning how to get CPSR is gathering detailed information about your product. This forms the backbone of your Cosmetic Product Safety Report.

You’ll need:

• Full formula with INCI names and exact percentages

• Product purpose and function

• Expected usage patterns

• Ingredient safety data sheets (SDS/MSDS)

• Packaging materials and labelling drafts

This data helps the safety assessor understand exactly what your product is and how it will be used.

2. Conduct Required Testing

Testing is a crucial part of the CPSR process. Your report must be backed by empirical data, so you’ll need to arrange for:

🔹 Stability Testing

This shows how your product holds up over time in different conditions, ensuring it won’t separate, spoil or change unpredictably.

🔹 Microbiological Testing

If your product contains water or is susceptible to bacteria growth, microbiological tests prove it’s safe and free from contamination.

🔹 Preservative Efficacy (Challenge Tests)

For products that require preservatives, these tests show whether the preservative system works properly.

Each of these tests provides scientific support that helps the safety assessor conclude your product is safe.

3. Appoint a Qualified Safety Assessor

This step is key — how to get CPSR always involves a qualified safety assessor. Legally, only a trained and competent professional can review your dossier and sign off on the CPSR. They typically have backgrounds in toxicology, pharmacy, chemistry or related fields.

Your assessor will:

• Review all product information and test reports

• Assess ingredient safety and exposure levels

• Consider potential risks and regulatory limits

• Complete both Part A and Part B of the CPSR

Part B includes their professional safety verdict and signature, which makes the report legally valid.

4. Draft the CPSR Document

The CPSR itself has two main parts:

Part A — Product Information

This section includes:

• Detailed formula and ingredient list

• Physical and chemical properties

• Exposure estimates

• Summary of all test results

It’s essentially the factual foundation your assessor uses to make decisions.

Part B — Safety Assessment

This is the assessor’s scientific conclusion about your product’s safety. It includes toxicological evaluation, risk assessment, and final judgement on whether the product is safe for consumer use.

Only after Part B is signed can your CPSR be considered complete.

5. Submit to Official Regulatory Portals

Once your CPSR is ready, you need to notify regulatory bodies before placing your product on the market.

In the UK, you must submit product information through the UK Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) portal.

In the EU, you use the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP).

Your CPSR will be part of the Product Information File (PIF) submitted to these systems. Authorities may inspect this file at any time, so accuracy and completeness are vital.

6. Keep Your CPSR and Records Updated

Your CPSR isn’t a one‑and‑done document. If you change your formula, add new products, or alter packaging/claims, you’ll need to update your CPSR accordingly.

Maintaining accurate and current documentation keeps you compliant and avoids legal issues later on.

Tips for Success

Here are some practical tips if you’re tackling how to get CPSR for the first time:

🔎 Start Early

Gathering data and arranging tests can take weeks. Start well ahead of your planned launch date.

🧾 Be Precise

Regulators and safety assessors rely on exact data. Ambiguous ingredient lists or missing percentages can delay approval.

💬 Work With Professionals

If possible, collaborate with labs and safety assessors with cosmetic experience. Their insights can streamline the process.

📦 Keep Thorough Records

Organise all documents — from test reports to labelling proofs — in your Product Information File. This helps with future audits or compliance checks.

Common Misconceptions

Many brands new to cosmetics ask similar questions about how to get CPSR. Here are a few clarifications:

❌ “CPSR is a marketing certification”

It’s not. A CPSR is a legal safety report, not a voluntary quality label.

❌ “I can do it myself”

Unless you are a qualified safety assessor, you cannot prepare or sign the CPSR alone.

❌ “Generic templates are enough”

No. Templates can help structure your documents, but your CPSR must be tailored to your exact product and data.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to get CPSR is a pivotal step in launching safe, compliant cosmetic products in the UK and EU. Although the process might seem complex, breaking it down into clear steps — gather information, test your product, work with a qualified assessor, and submit through the right channels — makes it manageable and achievable.

A well‑prepared CPSR not only keeps your business on the right side of the law, it also shows your commitment to safety and quality. That’s something both customers and retailers will appreciate.

If you’re ready to take your cosmetic brand to the next level, start with CPSR — it’s the foundation of responsible and successful beauty product sales.

 Related Blogs:

CPSR Certification UK: A Complete Guide
Explore IFRA-Certified Oils

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information on how to get CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) certification, regulations may change, and requirements can vary depending on product type, location, or specific circumstances. Readers are advised to consult a qualified safety assessor, regulatory consultant, or relevant authorities before submitting a CPSR or placing cosmetic products on the market. We are not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.