Jakarta, 17 March 2026 – In the cosmetics industry, claim testing is an important step that must be taken before a product is launched. Claim testing is conducted so that brands have a clear scientific basis to show that their products have proven benefits for consumers’ skin. Additionally, this testing data is often used as evidence to support product communication with consumers, from label creation to marketing materials. However, when products are produced repeatedly over many years, is the data from these tests still relevant? 

Why Test Results Are Not Valid Forever? 

Claim test results reflect a product’s performance under specific conditions. This performance can be influenced by many factors, from the formulation stage to production. Each test is conducted using a specific research design, including the formulation used, the testing method applied, and the predetermined testing conditions. For example, in skin hydration testing with a corneometer, test results depend on the formulation composition, product application, and the measurement parameters used. If any of these factors change, the relevance of previous test data needs to be reevaluated. 

Factors Determining the Need for Retesting of Claim 

One of the main factors that determines whether testing needs to be repeated is a change in formulation or ingredient composition. Minor changes in active ingredients, ingredient concentrations, or formulation systems can alter the performance of a previously tested product. In this case, retesting is necessary to ensure that the claims remain consistent with the product’s performance. 

Another determining factor is product consistency between batches. Cosmetic products are usually produced in large quantities and consist of several production batches. In this case, it is important to ensure that product performance remains consistent across different production batches. 

In addition, retesting may be conducted if the brand wishes to add claims to the product. If the product previously had only moisturizing claims and the brand wishes to add brightening claims, the product must be retested using methods appropriate to the parameters of the claims to be proven. 

Cosmetic regulations, BPOM Regulation No. 21 of 2011 concerning Procedures for Submitting Cosmetic Notifications, also emphasize that products distributed must meet the criteria of safety, efficacy, quality, labeling, and claims. Therefore, claim testing must represent the product being distributed so that if there are changes in the product’s production process, retesting must be conducted in accordance with the criteria established by BPOM. 

Claim Test = Product Life Cycle 

Claim testing is part of evaluation throughout a product’s lifecycle. As a product circulates on the market, various changes and adjustments can occur during both development and production.

In these circumstances, testing helps ensure that the scientific data used remains relevant to the product in circulation. Accurate and up-to-date test data can increase consumer confidence because the claims made are supported by credible evidence.