amika's safety testing results published
As a brand, one of our main priorities is to create effective, trustworthy products that you can enjoy without worrying about your health or safety. This means that each product goes through intense testing—from ingredients to packaging—to ensure that by the time they reach you, you’re getting the best of the best.
Another priority of ours is transparency. That’s why we’ve decided to publish each of the safety tests our products go through: what they are, why we care, how they’re measured, and which products the tests are done on. Keep reading to learn more.
in this article:
- 1,4-dioxane
- heavy metals
- benzene
- human repeat insult patch testing (hript)
- formula stability
- packaging compatibility
- preservative efficacy
- microbial analysis
1,4-dioxane
What it is: During this test, the final formulations of our products get tested via gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) to detect the presence of 1,4-Dioxane.
Why we care: 1,4-Dioxane is a potential human carcinogen* and is often an impurity in ethoxylated ingredients. New York state issued a regulation to limit concentration in personal care products to 1 ppm (parts per million) by December 31, 2023.
Which products get tested: all formulas during development.
Results: All formulas have been tested during development and have come back with no detectable levels of 1,4-Dioxane.
*Carcinogens are known to be capable of causing cancer
heavy metals
What it is: During the heavy metals test, the final formulations of our products are tested via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the presence of heavy metals (specifically, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury).
Why we care: Heavy metal contaminants can be found in all personal care and cosmetic products, but are especially prevalent in artificial colorants. Since heavy metals in high concentrations are considered toxic, we ensure our formulas have below the acceptable concentrations.
Which products get tested: All formulas during development.
Results: All formulas have been tested during development and have come back below the acceptable limits.
benzene
What it is: During this test, our final formulations are tested via gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) for the presence of benzene.
Why we care: Benzene is a known human carcinogen* often found in aerosols. The FDA sets a tolerance level at 2 ppm for pharmaceuticals, but doesn’t currently have a tolerance for cosmetics.
Which products get tested: All aerosol products and formulas with high silicone content during development.
Results: All aerosols and formulas with high silicone content have been tested during development and have come back with no detectable levels of benzene.
*Carcinogens are known to be capable of causing cancer
human repeat insult patch testing (hript)
What it is: The human repeat insult patch testing is a 6-week study with at least 50 volunteers. During the test, product gets applied repeatedly onto the skin to see if there is a visual reaction. The test is conducted over 6 weeks so the body has time to build an immune response to any allergens, if present. Then, a dermatologist confirms the product’s safety at the end of the 6-week period.
Why we care: Although we can't address any allergy concerns directly, we want to ensure that our products are clinically tested to be non-irritating.
How it’s measured: The goal is for there to be no sensitization. If any participants come back with reaction(s), we will review the product warnings and targeted consumer groups to ensure we are minimizing risk of adverse events.
Which products get tested: Some of our products come into contact with skin more than others, but just to be safe, all are tested.
Results: All formulas passed HRIPT testing during development, meaning they are non-irritating to the skin.
formula stability
What it is: During this test, the final formulation is packaged in a glass jar and placed in both an ambient and a heated chamber. The ambient chamber represents real storage conditions, and the heated chamber represents an accelerated storage condition. Relevant formula specifications (appearance, odor, viscosity, pH, color, specific gravity.) are monitored at 0, 1, 2 and 3 months.
Why we care: It is important to know if the formula itself remains stable throughout its lifespan. Although a formula can appear stable at the time of production, reactions can occur over time.
Which products get tested: All formulas during development.
Results: All formulas passed formula stability during development.
packaging compatibility
What it is: During this test, the final formulation is packaged in its final container and placed in both an ambient and a heated chamber (similarly to the formula stability test you just read about). The ambient chamber represents real storage conditions, and the heated chamber represents an accelerated storage condition to represent longer periods of time without having to actually wait years. Relevant formula specifications (appearance, odor, viscosity, pH, color, specific gravity) are monitored, as well as packaging reactions and functionality, at 0, 1, 2 and 3 months.
Why we care: Sometimes, certain reactions can occur between formulas and their packaging materials and general environments. This test is set up in the same way as the formula stability test (read up on that below) but in addition to observing formula specifications, packaging specifications are also monitored.
Which products get tested: All products during development except those packaged in glass.
Results: All products passed packaging compatibility during development.
preservative efficacy
What it is: During the preservative efficacy test, our formulas are injected with various bacteria and mold strains, and then their concentrations are monitored over the course of 28 days. A passing test would indicate no growth of fungi strains and reduced concentrations of bacteria strains. The industry-known standard that we follow is USP* 51.
Why we care: Preservatives help prevent bacteria and molds from growing in our products. This test ensures that the preservative system is actually working.
Which products get tested: All products unless they are exempt (due to below conditions):
- Products that do not contain water via water activity testing (anhydrous)
- Products with pH <3 or >10
- Products with more than 20% alcohol concentration
- Product packaged in pressurized containers, pump dispensers, or single-dose units.
Results: All formulas during development (that are not exempt) passed preservative efficacy testing.
*The Essentials of United States Pharmacopeia Chapter
microbial analysis
What it is: During this test, our formulas are tested after each production for Aerobic Plate Count (which is the total number of aerobic bacteria present per mL/g) and Yeast and Mold Count (total number of yeast and fungi present per mL/g). Additionally, formulas are tested for the presence and absence of specified microorganisms. The industry-known standard that we follow is USP* 61+62.
Why we care: Preservatives help prevent bacteria and molds from growing in our products. This test ensures that the bacteria and mold concentrations are within standards at the time of production.
Which products get tested: All formulas during development.
Results: All formulas during development passed Microbial Analysis.
*The Essentials of United States Pharmacopeia Chapter