Required Tests for Cosmetic Products Intended for Animals

Care products developed for pets and other animals may serve similar purposes to those designed for humans, but they differ significantly in terms of legal framework, product classification, and testing requirements. Developing these products in a safe, effective, and legally compliant manner is essential—not only for animal health but also for the accountability of the producer and brand.

In this blog, we will explore the classification, legal status, required tests, and labeling rules for cosmetic and care products specifically formulated for animals.
What Category Do Cosmetic and Grooming Products for Animals Fall Under?

Cosmetic products for animals do not fall under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009), which applies exclusively to human cosmetics. Instead, based on the product’s intended use and claims, they are classified into two main categories:

1. Animal Care Products (Cosmetic Purposes Only):

These products are used solely for cleaning, hygiene, or aesthetic enhancement and do not make any therapeutic claims.

Examples:

• Shampoos for cats and dogs

• Coat softening or detangling sprays

• Cleansing foams

• Protective creams (e.g., paw balms)

No health-related claims (such as “reduces dandruff” or “relieves itching”) should appear on the labels of such products.

2. Veterinary Medicinal Products (Therapeutic Purposes):

This category includes products with a clear therapeutic, preventive, or symptom-relieving effect.

Examples:

• Anti-parasitic shampoos (e.g., flea/tick prevention)

• Ear drops for fungal or bacterial infections

• Antiseptic sprays and lotions

Such products are subject to veterinary medicinal product regulations and cannot be marketed without proper authorization.

Regulations in Türkiye: Which Authority Oversees Animal Cosmetics?

In Türkiye, the production and distribution of cosmetic products for animals are regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Unlike human cosmetics (overseen by the Ministry of Health), notifications for animal care products must be submitted to the General Directorate of Livestock and relevant departments.

Requirements for animal care products include:

• Product notification file

• Manufacturing site license

• Label samples

• Test results (e.g., microbiological analysis, pH, stability)

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS)

• Authorization documents of the applicant
  
  Mandatory Tests for Animal Cosmetic Products

  The quality of cosmetic products for animals should be evaluated just as rigorously as those for humans. These tests assess the product’s microbial safety, physical stability, and accuracy of claims.
  
  ✔ Microbiological Tests

  Although animal skin may be thicker than human skin, it is still vulnerable to microbial risks. Therefore, products must be microbiologically safe.

  Common tests include:

• Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count

• Total yeast and mold count

• These analyses help determine whether the product will remain microbiologically stable throughout its shelf life.

• Pathogenic microorganisms:

  • Staphylococcus aureus

  • Escherichia coli

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

  • Candida albicans
    
    These analyses help determine whether the product will remain microbiologically stable throughout its shelf life.
    
     

    ✔ Stability and Physicochemical Tests

    These tests assess the physical and chemical stability of the product over time.

    Test scope:

  • pH analysis: Animal skin typically has a pH between 6.0 – 7.5. Extremely acidic or basic products may cause irritation.

  • Viscosity/density measurement: Important for ease of application and even distribution.

  • Appearance, color, odor: Indicators of physical stability; changes may signal product degradation.

  • Shelf life (stability) testing: Performed under accelerated conditions (e.g., high heat, humidity, UV light) to observe the product’s durability.
    
     

    ✔ Performance and Claim Substantiation Tests

    All claims made on the product label must be scientifically supported.

    Examples of claims and required validations:

  • “Tear-free” → Ophthalmologic irritation tests or in vitro eye models

  • “Dermatologically tested” → Skin simulation models or field studies on animals

  • Such claims are not only used for marketing but are also critical for regulatory compliance.

  • “Reduces shedding” → Consumer use studies or clinical field tests

  • “Alcohol-free” → Confirmed by ingredient analysis reports
    
    Such claims are not only used for marketing but are also critical for regulatory compliance.
    
     

    Labeling and Legal Compliance: Clear and Accurate Information Is Essential

    Animal care product labels must both inform consumers accurately and meet legal requirements.

    Labels must include:

  • Product name and intended use

  • Net content quantity

  • Labels must be in Turkish and printed in legible fonts. Misleading or unverified claims are prohibited.

  • Directions for use and warnings

  • Manufacturer/importer contact details

  • Batch number and expiration date

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry application/permit number

  • Storage conditions
    Labels must be in Turkish and printed in legible fonts. Misleading or unverified claims are prohibited.
    
     

    What Cosming Laboratory Offers You

    At Cosming, we offer specialized testing and regulatory consultancy services for manufacturers and brands developing animal cosmetic products.
    
     

    ♦ Our Service Areas Include:

  • Microbiological analyses

  • Stability and physicochemical tests

  • With our expert technical team and advanced laboratory infrastructure, we are by your side throughout the process.

  • Label content review and editing

  • Application and registration consultancy with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

  • Preparation of the Product Information File (PIF)

  • Support from a Responsible Technical Person (RTP)
    
    With our expert technical team and advanced laboratory infrastructure, we are by your side throughout the process
    
     

    Scientific, Safe, and Compliant Products Must Be Developed for Animals Too

    Animal cosmetics and care products are not merely aesthetic enhancers—they come into direct contact with living beings and carry serious responsibility. Production in this field must be based on scientific accuracy, ethical responsibility, and regulatory compliance, beyond just commercial concerns.

    Ensuring product safety is vital not only to meet pet owners’ expectations but also to protect animal welfare and build long-term trust in the industry. Scientific testing processes such as microbiological analysis, stability testing, and claim substantiation are the foundation of this trust.

    Additionally, ensuring that product label claims comply with regulations is crucial to prevent misleading consumers and to fulfill the brand’s legal responsibilities.
    
     

    A legally compliant and properly tested product:

    ✔ Protects animal health
    ✔ Builds user confidence
    ✔ Strengthens brand value and corporate reputation
    
     

    Therefore, every product developed for our animal companions should be:

  • Backed by scientific data

  • Clinically safe

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  • Transparent in ingredients and labeling

  • Fully compliant with regulatory procedures
    
    If you would like to develop your animal care products with a strong scientific foundation, robust testing support, and regulatory consultancy, Cosming Laboratory is here for you.