CPSR Explained | How to Sell Cosmetics Legally in the UK

When you are creating a cosmetic product, ensuring it is safe, is essential. Our role is to guide you through that process clearly and efficiently.  If you plan on selling cosmetics legally in the UK, you will need a CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) in place before your product can go to market.

Our role as a UK cosmetic safety assessment provider is to guide you through that process clearly, efficiently, and without unnecessary stress.

Here’s what we need from you and what you can expect from us.

Do I need a CPSR to sell cosmetics in the UK?

Yes. If you are selling cosmetic products in the UK, whether online, at markets, or via retail stockists, a Cosmetic Product Safety Report is a legal requirement. This applies to products such as soaps, creams, balms, lotions, bath bombs, and other personal care items.

A CPSR confirms that your product is safe for its intended use and is required before you can register your product on the UK cosmetic notification portal.

About your product

First, we ask about your product type and how it’s intended to be used. Some items such as shower gels or soaps, are straightforward - they are rinsed off and used on the whole body.  But others, like balms and creams, can vary.  We will ask whether the product is intended for the face, the body, or a specific area such as the lips or heels, and whether it is a leave-on or rinse-off product.

This information is essential; it allows us to advise you on safe levels of active ingredients, essential oils and fragrances within your formulation as part of the CPSR assessment process

Your cosmetic formulation and ingredient documentation

Next, we need your full product formulation.   You can provide this in grams, or percentages, whichever you prefer.  This gives us the foundation for reviewing your product. 

Once we have your formula, we will usually request a little more information about your ingredients. 

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• IFRA certificates for fragrances
• Certificates of Analysis

Depending on the type of product, we may also ask for the results of any relevant lab testing, though this isn’t always required. Where possible, we will advise you upfront if testing is necessary as part of your cosmetic compliance review.

The CPSR review process, timescales, and next steps

Once we’ve reviewed everything, we’ll provide a clear quote for the work and outline the expected timescales.  Our standard turnaround is typically 1-2 weeks and if you’re working to a tight deadline, we also offer an express service with reports completed in just one working day. 

With the right information from the start, we can complete your cosmetic product safety report quickly, accurately and smoothly, helping you bring safe, compliant products to market with confidence.

If you already have a formulation and need a bespoke assessment, you can find out more about our bespoke Cosmetic Product Safety Reports. If you are just starting out, we can help you get to market faster.

Ready to get your products to market?  Contact us today and speak directly with our cosmetic safety assessment team.