CFDA Approves Two More Cosmetic Testing Methods

Takehome:

CFDA just approved two more testing methods for cosmetics — In Vitro Skin Corrosion: Transcutaneous Electrical Resistance Test (TER) and Skin Photoallergy Test.

These two methods still involve animal testing. The testing methods will be used for cosmetic toxicological assessment and will be designated as test No.19 and No.20 in the "Cosmetic Safety and Technical Standard". The Transcutaneous Electrical Resistance Test（TER）is to evaluate if chemical ingredients in cosmetics are corrosive to mammalian skin and the Skin Photoallergy Test is to check if repeated use of a cosmetic will cause photoallergy.

REACH24H Interpretation:

The two newly approved testing methods still involve animals, which mean cruelty free in China has a long way to go. The operation of TER relies on skin harvested from dead rats. According to "3R" principles, this method "reduces" pain compared to live animal experiments. There is already another testing method for both irritation and corrosion, and our internal experts assert that it is not necessary to test corrosion alone. That means the TER will not be used frequently. As for Skin Photoallergy Test, current regulation only requires use of a phototoxity test. The new photoallergy testing method will help supplement registration applications for which inadequate safety data is available.