Body Powder Regular Testing Service — IS 3959:2023

Parameters to Test

Skin Powder/Body Powder Regular Method Ref.: IS 3959:2023

TAT : 7 Days*

Required sample quantity : 100-150 gm

Method Reference

IS 3959:2023

Turnaround Time

7 Days*

Sample Quantity

100-150 gm

₹10,150 ₹13,000/ sample

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Testing Scope

About This Test

Body powder, as defined under IS 3959, is a cosmetic product meant for external application on the skin to absorb moisture, reduce friction, and provide a cooling and refreshing effect. These powders are commonly used for personal hygiene, comfort, and skin care, especially in hot and humid conditions.

The Indian Standard IS 3959 ensures that body powders are safe, non-irritant, free from harmful substances, and suitable for repeated use on human skin.

Type 1 – Talc-Based Body Powder:
- Uses purified talc as the base material.
- Offers smooth texture, high absorbency, and a soft feel.
- Commonly used for general body freshness and dryness control.
Type 2 – Non-Talc or Alternative Base Powder:
- Uses other safe absorbents like starch (corn or rice), kaolin, or zinc oxide.
- Often marketed as natural, herbal, or talc-free powders.
- Preferred by users seeking more natural or hypoallergenic options.

Why It Matters

Purpose of Testing

Safety Verification:Ensure the product is free from harmful substances such as heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and microbial contaminants (e.g., E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus).

Physical & Chemical Quality:Assess properties like fineness, moisture content, pH, and homogeneity to ensure consistent performance and user comfort.

Skin Compatibility:Confirm that the product is non-irritating and safe for repeated use on human skin.

Ingredient Compliance:Validate the presence and concentration of approved base materials (e.g., talc or starch) and permitted additives like perfumes or cooling agents.

Regulatory Compliance:Ensure the body powder conforms to BIS standards for cosmetic safety and labeling under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

Testing as per IS 3959 guarantees that body powders are safe, hygienic, and suitable for regular personal care, protecting consumers from irritation, contamination, or toxic exposure.

What's Tested

Test Parameters

11 parameters covered under this service

Parameter	Method Ref.	NABL	Unit
Matter insoluble in boiling water	IS 3959	—	% w/w
Solubility of colours	IS 3959	—	NA
Fineness (Residue on 75-micron IS sieve)	IS 3959	✓	% w/w
Fineness (Residue on 150-micron IS sieve)	IS 3959	✓	% w/w
Moisture and volatile matter	IS 3959	✓	% w/w
pH	IS 3959	✓	NA
Heavy metals (as Pb)	IS 3959	✓	ppm
Arsenic (as As2O3)	IS 3959	✓	ppm
Mercury (Hg)	IS 16913	—	ppm
Boric acid, borates and tetra borates (as Boric acid)	IS 3959	—	% w/w
Microbiological Examinations	—	—	—