Ahead of SCS Formulate: Exclusive Insights on Cosmetic Testing from SMS

Sally, customer experience and turnaround times are key focus areas in testing services. What steps has SMS taken recently to enhance these aspects of service delivery?

SMS prides itself on consistently providing a trusted and reliable service to our clients, where communication is key. Our personalised service is enhanced by regular client account reviews and through feedback from customer questionnaires.

Laura, with new preservatives and formulations constantly being developed, how does SMS ensure that its testing methods stay current and effective for each type of cosmetic product?

Our UKAS accredited cosmetics testing methods encompass a suitability testing step, which is performed on each type of product, to ensure our methodology is appropriate and fit for purpose.

Sally, how does SMS approach the integration of new technologies and testing methods in your lab to ensure you stay at the forefront of microbiological testing?

SMS seeks to continually improve operational practises by exploring new ways of working, investing in state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and ensuring our methods are based on the most up to date ISO standards.

Laura, SMS is known for supporting clients from various industries. What insights or methods from other sectors, like food or water testing, have helped enhance your cosmetic testing services?

There are many synergies between the microbiological testing of food and cosmetics. We partner with our clients and endeavour to replicate the laboratory testing service they would experience from an in house laboratory. We complement this with applied microbiology knowledge and offer technical support, from within our laboratory team.

Sally and Laura, looking ahead, how do you envision the future of microbiological testing in cosmetics, and what role do you see SMS playing in shaping that future?

We are excited to be able to offer our bespoke testing services as we increase our market penetration within the cosmetic industry and will explore the application of new methodologies such as Rapid Microbial Methods (RMM), to offer faster turnaround of test results.

Sally and Laura, with Southern Microbiological Services attending SCS Formulate this year, what key trends or innovations in cosmetic science are you most looking forward to exploring at the event?

We are looking forward to expanding our knowledge around sustainability and sustainable cosmetic product manufacturing with a view to adapting these practices into the services we offer.

Meet Sally and Laura at SCS Formulate on 12-13 November in Coventry! Book a meeting with us at HelloUK@tentamus.com