VeganSure® – Ethical Microbiological Testing Without Compromise

Launched in 2019 as a world-first innovation, VeganSure® revolutionised microbiological safety testing for cosmetics by removing the reliance on animal-derived ingredients. Our pioneering solution replaces standard culture media and neutralisers with plant-based or synthetic alternatives, allowing brands to ensure their microbiological testing aligns with vegan values—without compromising quality, safety, or compliance.

Why VeganSure®?

• Ethically Aligned: Supports vegan claims not just in formulation, but throughout the full product development and testing process
• Regulatory Confidence: Fully compliant with UK and EU cosmetic regulations
• Tested in an Accredited Lab: All VeganSure® tests are conducted in our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, ensuring accuracy and reliability
• Registered with The Vegan Society: VeganSure® carries The Vegan Society’s Trademark for peace of mind

What Makes It Vegan?

Traditional microbiological testing often uses animal-derived ingredients such as casein, meat extracts, or bile salts in culture media and neutralisers. VeganSure® replaces these with alternatives such as:

• Papaya-derived enzymes
• Soya bean
• Plant peptones
• Sugars from potatoes and cornmeal

These components offer the same efficacy in microbial recovery and identification—proving that ethical testing does not require a compromise in performance.

What Can Be Tested with VeganSure®?

VeganSure® is available across key microbiological tests commonly required for cosmetic compliance:

• ✅ Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET)
• ✅ Batch Testing / Microbial Limits
• ✅ Period After Opening (PAO)

Each test is performed using separate workflows to avoid cross-contamination with non-vegan methods.

Same Standards, Same Results—Ethically Delivered

VeganSure® delivers results to the same technical standards, within similar timelines and at a comparable cost to traditional methods—making it a straightforward switch for vegan and sustainability-focused brands.

Brochure Download

Looking to learn more?
📄 Download the VeganSure® brochure

Hygiene Audit – Expertise Comes to You

For a more in-depth approach to contamination control, MSL offers comprehensive on-site hygiene audits conducted by experienced microbiologists. Whether you’re preparing for an inspection, reviewing your current hygiene standards, or responding to an issue, our team brings practical, GMP-aligned expertise directly to your site.

What We Cover

• Visual assessment of hygiene-critical areas
• Swabbing and settle plate sampling of surfaces and air
• Review of cleaning SOPs and environmental controls
• Full lab analysis with detailed reporting
• Actionable recommendations and risk-based advice

Why Choose an MSL Hygiene Audit?

• Hands-On Expertise: Conducted by specialists who understand your industry and production environment
• Tailored Insights: No generic checklists—just practical, relevant advice to improve hygiene control
• Compliance Ready: Supports GMP expectations and strengthens your audit preparedness

To schedule an on-site hygiene audit or learn more about our GMP support services, get in touch. We’ll help you protect your site, your products, and your reputation.

Swabs & Settle Plates – DIY Hygiene Audit

Take control of your hygiene monitoring with MSL’s easy-to-use DIY hygiene audit kit, supported by expert microbiological analysis from our UKAS-accredited laboratory (Lab No. 4045).

This service is ideal for routine in-house checks on air and surface cleanliness—empowering your team to proactively manage hygiene standards between audits or external inspections.

Why Choose DIY Monitoring?

• Efficient and Cost-Effective: Conduct regular environmental checks without site disruption
• Supports GMP Compliance: Track microbial presence in critical areas
• Early Warning System: Detect and address hygiene risks before they escalate
• Expert-Led Site Mapping: We can help you determine the most effective sample points across your facility, based on risk and workflow

How It Works

• Swabs assess microbial contamination on surfaces such as worktops, equipment, and production zones
• Settle Plates capture airborne microorganisms over a set exposure time

You collect the samples using our step-by-step instructions, return them to us, and our experts will analyse and report on the findings.

What You Get

• Sample kits tailored to your facility
• Support with site mapping and sampling strategy
• Full microbiological testing in a UKAS-accredited lab
• A clear, interpreted report with expert recommendations
• Optional follow-up support for corrective actions or trend analysis

To order your DIY hygiene audit kit or speak to a specialist, contact us. We’re here to help you monitor hygiene effectively and stay in control of your production environment.

Our GMP Services

GMP Audits

Our team conducts full-site GMP audits to assess your facility, systems, documentation, and hygiene practices. Audits are performed by experienced professionals with a deep understanding of both regulatory requirements and practical manufacturing workflows.

Includes:

• Facility walkthrough and inspection
• Document and SOP review
• Audit report with clear, prioritised actions

Gap Analysis & Technical Review

We perform in-depth reviews to identify where your current practices may fall short of regulatory expectations or internal quality goals.

Covers:

• Comparison against GMP requirements and industry best practice
• Risk assessments and prioritised corrective actions
• Support in implementing new controls or improvements

Change Control Support

Whether you’re introducing new equipment, altering processes, or switching raw materials, changes in manufacturing must be handled correctly to avoid unintended consequences.

Our support includes:

• Change control planning and documentation
• Risk and impact assessments
• Ongoing validation and testing strategies

GMP & Hygiene Training

MSL offers in-house and on-site training for your teams to improve awareness, ownership, and understanding of GMP principles.

Training options include:

• GMP fundamentals and refresher courses
• Hygiene and microbiological control
• Custom modules tailored to your facility or staff roles

Why Choose MSL?

With decades of hands-on manufacturing and regulatory experience, our team delivers more than checklists—we offer practical, effective solutions tailored to your operations. Whether you’re maintaining, improving, or scaling your GMP systems, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

To find out more about our GMP audits, training, or support services, get in touch with our team.

Period After Opening (PAO)

Under EU regulations (Article 19, Reg 1223), cosmetic products with a shelf life of more than 30 months do not require an expiry date. Instead, they must display a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol indicating how long the product remains safe for consumer use once opened.

Why PAO Matters

• Consumer Safety: Helps users understand how long a product stays fresh and non-hazardous after initial use.
• Regulatory Requirement: Compliance with both UK and EU standards when a “best-before” date isn’t required.
• Brand Assurance: Demonstrates that you’ve validated the quality and longevity of your product, earning consumer trust.

Our Approach

We combine multiple test methods to confirm a product’s safety over its claimed PAO:

• Microbial Limits: Evaluates baseline contamination levels to ensure they remain within safe parameters.
• Stability Testing: Includes both real-time and accelerated studies to identify any gradual changes in performance or composition.
• Preservative Efficacy (Challenge) Tests: Confirms the formulation can resist microbial spoilage throughout its intended lifespan.
• Simulation Tests: Recreates actual usage conditions to validate how the product stands up to repeated opening and exposure.
• Risk assessment & Data Review: If you already have existing test data, our team can review and provide a probable PAO recommendation, saving time and resources.

This comprehensive strategy helps pinpoint the maximum length of time a product can be safely used—providing you and your customers with confidence in its post-opening shelf life.

Partner with MSL for PAO Evaluation

Our experienced team guides you through each stage of testing, ensuring your product meets all regulatory requirements for PAO labelling. By entrusting MSL, you’ll have reliable, data-driven support for your product’s safety and longevity.

For more information or to discuss how we can help validate your PAO claims, contact us. We look forward to helping you deliver high-quality, compliant cosmetics to the market.

The Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations Act of 2022 (MoCRA) is the first major update to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority over cosmetic products since 1938.

By 1st July 2024, cosmetic brands and manufacturers will need to ensure that their practices comply with the new law. While the industry waits for FDA to finalise instructions and guidance, we can help brands and manufacturers prepare for this now to ensure you stay compliant when the law comes into force. Our range of services include:

• Acting as US agent
• Facilities registration
• Product listing
• FDA and state regulatory compliance checks on formulations
• Artwork checks (both State and FDA)
• Safety substantiation
• Accelerated stability studies
• Preservative efficacy (challenge) testing

More about MoCRA

The MoCRA requirements now in force from 1 July 2024 include:

• Mandatory Facility Registration: Cosmetic brands and manufacturers must register their facilities with the FDA and renew their registration every two years.
• Product Listing: A responsible person must list each marketed cosmetic product with the FDA, including product ingredients, place of manufacture, product listing number, and provide any updates annually. This registration must be complete before December 2023 for existing products on the market and 120 days for new products.
• Adverse event reporting: A responsible person is required to report serious adverse events associated with the use of cosmetic products in the US to the FDA within 15 business days after receiving the report and certain additional information, such as new medical information, within one year of the initial report. The FDA will also have access to adverse event reports during an inspection.
• Safety Substantiation: A responsible person is required to ensure and maintain records supporting adequate safety substantiation for their products.

As part of MoCRA, the FDA will also be establishing regulations for:

• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): This will align US GMP with international standards and is expected to be completed in 2025.
• Fragrance allergen labelling: Cosmetic labels will be required to identify every fragrance allergen in a product. This requirement will take effect at the end of 2024.
• Talc: The FDA will be issuing regulations to establish and require standardised testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products.
• Perfluoralkyl and polyfluoralky substances (PFAs): The FDA is required to issue a public report, no later than three years after MoCRA is enacted, to assess the use of PFAs in cosmetic products.

For small businesses, there are exemptions from GMP, registration, and product listing requirements. More guidance will be issued in the coming months.

Regulatory considerations of producing bespoke cosmetics in store

In recent years, the availability of personalised cosmetic and personal care products created in-store has been growing. This trend has evolved so quickly, that there is no specific regulation for these ‘point of sale’ (POS) cosmetics – instead, multiple laws apply. What’s more, meeting the requirements of UK and EU Cosmetic Regulations, specifically Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), is much more challenging compared to the traditional method of production in a factory.

So, to stay compliant and ensure the safety and quality of products, here’s a comprehensive guide of what to consider when creating products at the point of sale (POS).

• Labelling.

Ensure product labelling complies with Article 19 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/ 2009. In indelible, easily legible, and visible lettering, labelling should include: the name of the Responsible Person (RP), a batch code and unique batch number, nominal content, the date of minimum durability or period after opening (PAO), the product’s function, and ingredient list. The use of a loose leaflet is not accepted if there is enough space on the packaging itself.

• Preparation, cleaning, and training.

Ensure the preparation of bespoke products is completed by fully trained personnel only, in a dedicated area compliant with the requirements of GMP.  This zone must be cleaned following a predetermined and documented process (Standard Operation Process), which details the cleaning protocol, frequency, and training.  Minimise cross contamination by allowing only trained personnel access to the area.

Training must include how to prepare products to the requirements of GMP and be recorded in a guide for each employee.

• Ingredients.

Where products are made from several ingredients, are the individual components cosmetic products in their own right or chemicals? The mixing of ingredients that can be considered cosmetic products is preferential since the use of raw materials (chemicals) in bespoke products is very complex – and unlikely to be appropriate for an in-store setting. Additionally, enhanced training and documentation are also required to ensure worker safety.

• Filling, refilling, and storage.

Tightly monitor the filling of product into packaging and perform regular controls and audits to ensure quality control. Filling directly into customers’ pre-used empty containers is not recommended, due to contamination risks. However, it is acceptable to exchange a pre-used receptacle for an industrially cleaned one to refill at the POS.

Packaging used for filling should be stored to protect from contamination prior to filling. Refill batches should never be mixed, and the expiry/PAO dates must be respected.

• Safety.

The very nature of bespoke products means that many similar versions are created – and each one must be compliant. Due to the cost and impracticability of commissioning testing for every combination of ingredient, the production of microbiological high-risk products is not recommended. All possible combinations of the product must be considered during safety assessments. In certain cases, read-across data for preservative efficacy (challenge) testing and stability studies may be acceptable.

• Traceability.

Each product must contain a batch code and a traceability document should also be kept updated showing concordance between incoming refill-bulk, packaging materials, and the sold finished product. Ensure each unique combination of ingredient has an individual notification and Product Information File (PIF).

Additionally, any product returned to store must be documented and held centrally by the RP to ensure any safety-related reports, trends in the poor performance of the product or durability are identified and addressed quickly.

For further information or advice, please contact us.

Microbiology for Medical Devices

Microbiological testing is imperative to safeguard patient health. We offer a range of testing services specifically for the healthcare sector, to help prevent microbial contamination and support compliance. This includes test methods for medical devices and wound care.

Manufacturers of medical devices must ensure that their products meet the highest quality control standards. Microbiological testing is essential to ensure that a device is safe and effective, by examining the presence of harmful pathogens that could contaminate it. Furthermore, it is required to stay compliant with regulations.

We offer a range of medical device testing methods, including coating efficacy, bioburden assessment and implantable device assessment. Standard test methods include:

• ASTM D7907: Standard test methods for determination of bactericidal efficacy on the surface of medical examination gloves
• BS EN ISO 17664-1 Processing of healthcare products
• BS EN 1616: Sterile urethral catheters for single use
• ISO 22196: Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces

Wound care

Most chronic wounds are a result of microbial infection. Even if they are not clinically infected, wounds are often colonised, which in itself means they are at risk of infection. Our experienced microbiological technicians can support you in evaluating wound care strategies, such as anti-microbial wound dressings and smart dressings.

Standard test methods include:

• AATCC Test Method 100: Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials. This test method provides a quantitative procedure for the evaluation of a product’s antibacterial activity. Assessment of an antibacterial finish on a textile material is determined by the degree of antibacterial activity intended by the use of such materials.
• AATCC 30 Antifungal Assessment and Mildew Resistance Test
• ASTM E2149: Standard Test Method for determining the antimicrobial activity of immobilized antimicrobial agents under dynamic contact conditions.
• AATCC Test Method 147: Antibacterial Activity Assessment of Textile Materials: Parallel Streak Method
• BS EN ISO 11737-1: Sterilization of Medical devices. Microbiological Methods. Determination of a population of microorganisms on products (Bioburden)
• BS EN ISO 20743: Textiles, Determination of antibacterial activity of antibacterial finished products
• BS EN IS0 20645: Textile fabrics. Determination of antibacterial activity. Agar diffusion plate test

For more information about how we can support your healthcare testing needs, please contact us.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets provide information on chemical products, describing the hazards that the chemical presents, as well as giving information on handling, storage, and emergency measures in case of accident.

They are essential for chemical products; however, they require technical expertise and can be time-consuming to prepare. Furthermore, they need reviewing regularly to ensure that they meet changing regulations.

Although finished cosmetic products do not require SDS in terms of their consumer use; manufacture, storage, transportation, and retail sale hazards can arise during production. The production of SDS is an effective method commonly used to provide information required for safe use and disposal of the cosmetic product.

We can create SDS for global regulatory compliance (CLP & OSHA) in 39-languages. From receipt of data, we can usually issue your completed SDS within two weeks. We can also complete Poison Centre Notifications.

Poison Centre Notifications

Companies (such as manufacturers, importers, downstream users, and distributors) that place hazardous mixtures on the UK or EU markets must complete poison centre notifications (PCN) and submit them to the relevant authority; the National Poisons Information Service in the UK and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in the EU.

These mandatory documents provide important information about mixtures classified for health or physical hazards, including emergency health response and preventative measures, and are used by poison centres when incidents or exposures occur.

We offer a full PCN service to support companies comply with poison centre obligations in the UK and EU markets. This includes unique formula identifier (UFI) code generation, dossier preparation, and submission.

Subscription Service

Our new SDS subscription service enables you to outsource the responsibility of maintaining these essential documents to our in-house specialist SDS team. The package includes alerts and notifications of upcoming changes, consultancy, an annual review to ensure they remain up to date, and a limited number of revisions, as applicable. This year-round support saves you valuable time and effort, offers reassurance that your completed SDS is technically accurate, and helps you to stay compliant with regulations that are constantly being reviewed.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

Our SDS follow the standard 16-section format and can include a company logo if required:

• Section 1. Identification
• Section 2. Hazard(s) identification
• Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients
• Section 4. First-Aid measures
• Section 5. Fire-fighting measures
• Section 6. Accidental release measures
• Section 7. Handling and storage
• Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection
• Section 9. Physical and chemical properties
• Section 10. Stability and reactivity
• Section 11. Toxicological information
• Section 12. Ecological information
• Section 13. Disposal considerations
• Section 14. Transport information
• Section 15. Regulatory information
• Section 16. Other information, including date of preparation or last revision

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a system developed to standardise the classification and labelling of chemicals worldwide. GHS allows an internationally recognised method for the identification and communication of the hazards associated in transporting and supplying chemicals across the world.

In Europe, GHS is implemented via Classification, Labelling and packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) 1272/2008. The Safety Data Sheet follows 16-point GHS format and must be in the language of the Member State.

In the USA manufacturers, distributors and importers of cosmetic ingredients and chemicals are required to comply with GHS in the workplace through Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s Hazard Communication Standard (OSHA). Requiring the completion of a standard 16-point GHS SDS.

For more information about how we can support you with Safety Data Sheets or Poison Centre Notifications, please contact us.

Following the ongoing success of our VeganSure testing service, we can now supply vegan dehydrated culture media (DCM) worldwide. So, if your testing facilities for vegan beauty and cosmetics products are in-house or sub-contracted, you can perform routine microbiological testing and assure the safety of your vegan cosmetic products, in line with your brand’s ethical stance.

All VeganSure DCM products are validated against traditional media to ensure quality of results and meet the requirements of the UK and EU Cosmetic Regulations. All animal-derived ingredients usually found in standard culture media and neutralisers are replaced with plant-based or synthetic alternatives, such as papaya-derived enzymes, soya bean, and plant peptones. The VeganSure DCM collection comprises eight products:

• VeganSure® Agar (VSA). A general-purpose agar, which supports the growth of a wide range of microorganisms. It can be used as a vegan alternative to Tryptone Soy Agar (TSA).
• Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Used for the preparation and maintenance of fungal test strains used in the growth promotion test. The extract from potato and dextrose provides a nutritionally rich base that encourages mould sporulation and pigment production.
• V7 Neutralising Broth (VN7). This VeganSure neutraliser covers the broadest range of preservatives and is recommended for use in challenge testing of water-miscible cosmetics.
• Vegan Maximum Recovery Diluent (VMRD). Used as an isotonic diluent for maximum recovery of microorganisms.
• Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Used for the preparation and maintenance of fungal test strains used in the growth promotion test.
• VeganSure® Broth (VSB). A vegan alternative to Tryptic Soy Broth (Soybean-Casein Digest Broth), this is used for the cultivation of a wide variety of microorganisms and recommended for testing bacterial contaminants in cosmetics.
• V Nutrient Agar (VNA). A general-purpose medium for the cultivation of a wide variety of organisms that are not demanding in their nutritional requirements, for example, organisms that can be isolated from air, water, dust etc.
• V Nutrient Broth (VNB). A vegan alternative to traditional nutrient broth and used for the cultivation of a wide variety of microorganisms.

Suitable for all cosmetic microbiological testing, VeganSure® Agar (VSA), V7 Neutralising Broth, Vegan Maximum Recovery Diluent (VMRD), and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) are registered with The Vegan Society’s Trademark, meaning that companies who use them can claim the VeganSure stamp of approval, without having to be physically audited by The Vegan Society.

Registration of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), VeganSure® Broth (VSB), V Nutrient Agar, and V Nutrient Broth with The Vegan Society’s Trademark is underway.

Additionally, the media is sold in handy single 1L shot sachets and all packaging is either 100% recyclable or biodegradable.

Please click here for more information, about our VeganSure DCM, including technical specifications.

To order VeganSure® DCM, or for any further information, please contact us.