Introduction

Beauty ranges are rarely a single SKU. A foundation might launch in fifteen shades; a moisturiser might be sold in three pack sizes; a serum range might share a base gel with three different active-ingredient variants. Under Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, each of these still requires an individually documented safety assessment but assessing them as a coordinated range, rather than as unrelated one-off orders, keeps your documentation consistent and avoids the inefficiency of re-reviewing shared base formulation data from scratch each time.

Spectra's Multiple Variants CPSR service is built for exactly this: shade ranges, size variants, and closely related formulations assessed together under one methodology, with each variant still receiving its own individual, signed safety conclusion.

What's Included (Per Variant)

• Ingredient-level toxicological screening against Annexes II–VI, specific to each variant's exact formulation
• Individual Margin of Safety (MoS) calculation reflecting that variant's concentration and exposure profile
• Physico-chemical and stability review specific to each shade, size or formulation difference
• Allergen and fragrance screening where relevant to that variant
• Individually signed Part A and Part B documentation for each variant, cross-referenced against the rest of the range for consistency

When Variants Can Be Assessed Together

Products can generally be grouped under one coordinated CPSR process where they share a common base formulation and differ only in attributes such as colourant, fragrance load, or pack size for example, a foundation shade range built on one base emulsion, or a moisturiser sold in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml sizes with no formulation change. Where a variant differs in a way that affects safety-relevant properties a different preservative system, a new active ingredient, a different UV filter package that variant requires its own distinct, deeper-level assessment rather than a simple extension of the group review.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Regardless of how variants are grouped commercially, each one is individually assessed against:

• Annex I, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — CPSR content requirements
• Schedule 34, Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/696) — UK retained equivalent
• Annexes II–VI — ingredient-specific restrictions, assessed per variant's actual composition
• SCCS Notes of Guidance — toxicological methodology

Who Needs This Service

• Colour cosmetics brands with multi shade ranges (foundation, concealer, lipstick, eyeshadow)
• Skincare brands selling the same formulation across multiple pack sizes
• Haircare ranges with variants for different hair types built on a shared base
• Private-label manufacturers producing a variant range for a single retail client

Process & Turnaround

1. Submit all variant formulations — INCI lists with percentages for each shade, size or formulation.
2. Base-formulation review — shared elements across the range are established as a consistent baseline.
3. Per-variant assessment — each variant's specific composition, MoS and stability profile is individually reviewed.
4. Drafting and sign-off — Parts A and B are compiled and signed for every variant.
5. Delivery — a consolidated, cross-referenced compliance package covering the full range is delivered.

Deliverables

• Individually signed CPSR (Parts A & B) for every variant in the range
• Ingredient compliance summary per variant
• One consolidated, PIF-ready package covering the full range

FAQs

Does grouping variants reduce compliance rigour?
No each variant receives its own documented, individually signed safety conclusion; grouping only streamlines the assessment process and improves cost efficiency.

Can I add new shades or sizes to an existing range later?
Yes new variants can be assessed against the same baseline and appended to your existing PIF documentation.

Do shade variants each need a separate SCPN/CPNP notification?
Generally yes, though closely related shades sharing an identical base may sometimes be grouped for notification purposes at your Responsible Person's judgement we assess this case by case.

What if some variants in my range have a different preservative system?
Those variants would be treated as requiring a distinct, deeper assessment rather than a simple extension of the group review we'll flag this during initial formulation review and scope accordingly.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of variants for this service?
No fixed limit the service scales from a small shade range to a full colour cosmetics line.