Depilatories (Hair Remover) Testing Service — IS 9636:1998

Parameters to Test

Method Ref.: IS 9636:1998

TAT : 7 Days*

Required sample quantity : 50-100 g or ml

Method Reference

IS 9636:1998

Turnaround Time

7 Days*

Sample Quantity

50-100 g or ml

₹6,500 ₹8,000/ sample

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Testing Scope

About This Test

Depilatories, as defined under IS 9636, are cosmetic preparations intended for external application to remove unwanted body hair by breaking down the structure of hair at the skin’s surface. The Indian Standard ensures that depilatory products are safe, effective, and non-irritating, providing a convenient alternative to mechanical hair removal methods like shaving or plucking.

Form: May be available as a cream, lotion, gel, or powder.
Odour: Pleasant or neutralized to mask the strong odour of active ingredients (commonly sulfur compounds).
Active Ingredients: Typically include calcium thioglycolate or similar compounds that chemically break down hair keratin.
pH Range: Formulated at an alkaline pH to ensure effectiveness while minimizing skin irritation.
Safety: Must be dermatologically tested to ensure it is non-toxic, non-irritating, and safe for external use.
Heavy Metals and Contaminants: Should be free from harmful heavy metals (like lead and arsenic) and microbial contamination.

Why It Matters

Purpose of Testing

Safety Verification:Ensure the product is non-toxic, free from harmful substances like lead, arsenic, and restricted chemicals, and safe for direct skin application.

Skin Compatibility:Confirm the product is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types through dermatological and irritancy tests.

Effectiveness:Assess the hair removal efficacy of the product to ensure it performs as intended within a safe time frame.

pH and Chemical Composition:Verify that the alkaline pH and concentration of active ingredients (e.g., calcium thioglycolate) are within permissible limits to avoid skin damage.

Microbiological Safety:Check for the absence of harmful microorganisms such as E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus.

Stability and Shelf Life:Ensure the product remains chemically and physically stable under normal storage conditions.

Testing as per IS 9636 ensures that depilatories are safe, reliable, and meet regulatory standards, providing consumers with a smooth and irritation-free hair removal experience.

What's Tested

Test Parameters

7 parameters covered under this service

Parameter	Method Ref.	NABL	Unit
pH	IS 9636	—	N/A
Calcium thioglycolate cal. as thioglycollic acid	IS 9636	—	% w/w
Thermal stability	IS 9636	—	NA
Heavy metals (as Pb)	IS 9636	—	ppm
Arsenic (as As2O3)	IS 9636	—	ppm
Mercury (Hg)	IS 16913	—	ppm
Microbiological Examinations	—	—	—