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ISO 17025 Accredited

Heavy Metal Testing for Cosmetics — Expert Lab Services

Expert heavy metal testing tailored for cosmetics brands. Regulatory-compliant testing with COA documentation for product safety and market access.

ISO 17025 Accredited 48-Hour Turnaround Available 500+ Test Methods FDA-Compliant Reporting Dual Locations: Irvine & San Diego, CA

Quick Answer

Heavy Metal Testing for cosmetics involves analyzing product samples using validated scientific methods to verify safety, purity, potency, and regulatory compliance. Accredited labs like Qalitex use instrumentation such as HPLC, ICP-MS, and microbiology assays to generate Certificates of Analysis (COA) required by FDA, Amazon, and retail partners.

Cosmetics brands require specialized testing to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. Qalitex Laboratories provides heavy metal testing specifically designed for the cosmetics industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratory specializes in accurate, regulatory-compliant heavy metals testing for dietary supplements, food products, and cosmetic formulations. Our advanced ICP-MS methodologies, experienced chemists, and FDA-audited protocols ensure your products meet the highest safety and quality standards. Our testing protocols are calibrated to the unique requirements of cosmetics products, from raw material verification to finished goods release testing.

Heavy Metal Testing Tailored for Cosmetics

The cosmetics industry has specific testing requirements driven by FDA regulations, marketplace compliance (Amazon, retail), and consumer safety expectations. Qalitex designs testing panels specifically for cosmetics products, ensuring you meet all applicable standards while optimizing your testing budget. Our scientists understand the unique matrices and formulation challenges of cosmetics products.

Why Heavy Metals Testing Is Critical

Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are toxic even at low concentrations. They can contaminate ingredients through soil, water, processing equipment, and packaging. Regulatory bodies require strict compliance with heavy metal limits to prevent neurotoxicity, kidney damage, developmental delays, and carcinogenicity.

Metals We Test For

We test for all commonly regulated metals: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As — total and inorganic), Mercury (Hg — total and methylmercury), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Tin (Sn), Cobalt (Co), Antimony (Sb), Thallium (Tl), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn). Custom panels and additional trace metal screening available on request.

ICP-MS Technology

Our laboratory uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) — the gold standard for multi-element trace detection at parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity. This enables reliable, reproducible results at concentrations far below regulatory limits.

Key Tests & Methods

Lead (Pb)
Cadmium (Cd)
Arsenic (As) — total & inorganic
Mercury (Hg)
Multi-element ICP-MS panel
Prop 65 compliance panel

Applicable Standards

USP <2232> Elemental ContaminantsICH Q3DCalifornia Prop 65FDA 21 CFR guidelinesEU Regulation 1881/2006

Industries We Serve

Dietary supplements
Herbal & botanical products
Cosmetics & personal care
Food & functional foods
Amazon FBA sellers

How It Works

Three simple steps to your results

01

Submit your samples

Ship samples to our Irvine or San Diego laboratory with your order form.

02

Testing & analysis

Our ISO 17025 accredited scientists run validated test methods.

03

Receive your CoA

Get a signed Certificate of Analysis within 48–72 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What heavy metal testing do cosmetics brands need?

Cosmetics brands typically require identity testing, purity analysis, contaminant screening (heavy metals, pesticides, microbiology), and potency verification. Specific requirements depend on the product type, target market, and applicable regulations (FDA, FTC, state laws).

Do you provide COA reports for cosmetics products?

Yes. Every test at Qalitex generates a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) that includes test methods, results, specifications, and pass/fail determinations. Our COAs are accepted by FDA, Amazon, retailers, and international regulatory bodies.

Is Qalitex Laboratories ISO 17025 accredited?

Yes. Qalitex Laboratories holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories. This ensures our methods, equipment, and quality systems meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

What is your turnaround time?

Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days. Rush service with 48-hour turnaround is available for most test types. Contact us to discuss your timeline requirements.

What types of products do you test?

Qalitex tests dietary supplements (capsules, powders, gummies, liquids), cosmetics and personal care products, food and beverage items, botanical extracts, and raw materials. We serve brands, contract manufacturers, and Amazon FBA sellers.

How do I submit samples for testing?

Ship your samples to our Irvine or San Diego laboratory with a completed sample submission form. We provide prepaid shipping labels for qualifying orders. Results are delivered electronically via secure portal.

What heavy metals does Qalitex test for?

Qalitex tests for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As — total and inorganic), mercury (Hg), nickel, chromium, tin, cobalt, antimony, thallium, copper, and zinc using ICP-MS instrumentation with parts-per-billion sensitivity.

Ready to get started?

Request a quote for heavy metal testing for cosmetics. Our team responds within 24 hours.