Worried that your shampoo product will be recalled from the market? Here is how to test for eye irritation with your product!

Hair plays an important role in human life. In addition to protecting the skin from harmful environments, hair also has a significant role in enhancing a person’s appearance. Shampoo is a cosmetic preparation used to wash hair so that afterward the scalp and hair become clean and as soft, manageable, and shiny as possible. It is a hair care product used to remove oil, dust, skin flakes, and other dirt from the hair. Shampoo is used to eliminate unwanted particles, such as oil and dandruff, without excessive stripping of sebum, as this can make the hair difficult to manage.

For people with problematic and sensitive scalps, they will definitely pay attention to the ingredients in each shampoo product. Choosing the right shampoo is very important for maintaining the health of your hair, scalp, and equally important, your eyes. The eyes are one of the organs of the body that often come into direct contact with shampoo. If the shampoo contains irritating ingredients, it can cause pain, redness, and even damage to the eyes. There are several active ingredients that should be avoided in shampoo products, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), parabens, fragrance, silicone, and others.

Therefore, it is important for business owners or shampoo manufacturers to ensure that the shampoo they produce is safe for consumers. One way to do this is by conducting eye irritation tests on your shampoo products.

Guide to Eye Irritation Testing for Your Shampoo Products

Eye irritation testing must be conducted in a product testing laboratory under the guidance of a competent researcher. The purpose of eye irritation testing is to ensure that the shampoo product is safe to use and does not pose a risk to the user’s eyes. Eye irritation tests are usually conducted on laboratory animals, but they can also be performed on rabbits. Albino rabbits are often chosen for eye irritation testing because they have very sensitive and visible eyes, making it easier to detect and assess irritation. Their eyes lack pigment, allowing the reactions to be observed more clearly. This option makes it easier to assess the likelihood of irritation. However, in recent years there has been a movement to replace the use of animals with more ethical alternatives, such as in vitro testing and computer modeling.

The first step in conducting an eye irritation safety test on rabbits is to dissolve the shampoo in a solution to create a 10% solution. A total of 0.1 ml of the diluted preparation is then dropped into one eyelid of the rabbit, while the other eyelid serves as a control. Observations are made with the help of a flashlight for 7 days after the application, focusing on reactions in the cornea, which are assessed by looking for cloudiness in the iris, changes in pupil size, or even bleeding in the iris. Reactions in the conjunctiva include redness, swelling, and eyelid closure.

Eye irritation testing on shampoo products is very important for business owners, especially those in the cosmetics and personal care industries. Here are some reasons why eye irritation testing is important:

Consumer Safety: Eye irritation tests ensure that shampoo products are safe for consumer use. Sampo can often accidentally get into the eyes when used, and this test helps ensure that the product does not cause irritation or serious damage to the eyes.
Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have strict regulations regarding the safety of personal care products. Conducting eye irritation tests helps businesses comply with safety standards set by authorities such as BPOM in Indonesia, FDA in the United States, or ECHA in Europe.
Reputation and Trust: Consumers tend to trust products that are safe and have been scientifically tested. Having the label “dermatologically tested” or “safe for eyes” can enhance consumer trust and strengthen the business brand.
Reducing Legal Risks: If a product causes irritation or injury to consumers, businesses could face costly lawsuits and damage to their reputation. By conducting eye irritation tests, businesses can reduce this risk and protect themselves from potential litigation.
Product differentiation: In a competitive market, safer products can be a distinguishing factor. The label “safe for the eyes” can be a unique selling point, helping the product stand out among competitors.
Demonstrating Commitment to Quality: Conducting eye irritation tests shows that the business is serious about delivering high-quality products and cares about consumer health, which in turn can enhance customer loyalty.

Considering these points, eye irritation testing is not only important from a legal compliance perspective but also a good business strategy to ensure safe and high-quality products in the market. However, make sure your product is not tested in incompetent places. One of the testing institutions that can assist with eye irritation testing on shampoo products is IML Testing and Research.

IML Testing and Research has experience conducting irritation tests on various products, such as cosmetics. (skincare, makeup, pestisida, and lainnya). In addition, the responsible researcher is a graduate of several prestigious universities, such as ITB, IPB, and UNPAD. Conduct an eye irritation test on your shampoo product at IML Testing and Research soon. Get an exclusive free consultation with our team of experts!

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