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The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing non-animal testing methods for chemical safety assessment through two dedicated days of practical training and workshops held at Woburn House, London on 29 and 30 September 2025. The events brought together leading scientists, toxicologists, and regulatory experts from across the cosmetics and chemicals industries, specialist organisations and the UK Government to explore how to apply non-animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) frameworks.
These events build upon CTPA’s milestone seminar in April 2024, which brought together the UK Government, industry, NGOs, academics and specialised organisations to call for the UK Government to publish a dedicated UK NAMs strategy.
Day one focused on practical applications of NAMs, giving attendees the opportunity to test their skills on case studies focussing on the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) concept and Read-Across techniques. An inspiring real-world example of applying Next Generation Risk Assessment to a cosmetic ingredient was shared by a cosmetics industry expert. The programme featured hands-on case studies, expert-led sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to equip professionals with the tools and confidence to implement non-animal approaches in real-world safety assessments.
Caroline Rainsford, Director of Science at CTPA, opened both days by highlighting the major role that the global cosmetics industry has played, and continues to play, in accelerating the transition to animal-free safety testing for chemicals: “The cosmetics and personal care industry has been at the forefront of developing, evaluating, and using animal-free approaches for safety assessment for nearly 40 years, and CTPA champions this work through our ongoing programme of events to bring together different stakeholders in this field, and to equip scientists with additional skills in conducting safety assessments without animal data.”
Day two built on this foundation with a deep dive into weight-of-evidence strategies and exposure-based adaptations, particularly in the context of REACH dossiers. Industry scientists and regulatory experts from departments across the UK Government engaged in scientific discussions about how robust, relevant data and scientifically sound approaches can build confidence in using non-animal methods to meet regulatory safety requirements.
Francesca Rapolla, Senior Affairs Manager – Science at CTPA, closed the event by emphasising the role of education and collaboration in shaping the future of cosmetics and chemicals safety assessment: “By investing in education and creating opportunities for scientific dialogue between experts from industry, authorities, NGOs, academia and more, we’re not only advancing science—we’re building trust and advancing scientific knowledge across the stakeholder community.”
The CTPA NAMs practical training and workshop highlights the cosmetics industry’s proactive commitment to the development and use of scientifically robust alternatives to animal testing. The events build on CTPA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the cosmetics and personal care industry in the development, promotion and regulatory acceptance of NAMs. Examples of CTPA’s work include stakeholder workshops, practical training for safety assessors and collaboration with the global cosmetics industry and regulators. CTPA is also increasing its collaboration with sister associations from the wider chemicals sector, to promote the use of NAMs beyond the cosmetics industry and is proud to be a member of ICCS, The International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety.
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About CTPA
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association Limited (CTPA) is the UK trade association representing all types of companies involved in making, supplying and selling cosmetics and personal care products.
As the credible authority for a vibrant and innovative UK industry trusted to act responsibly for the benefit of the consumer, CTPA promotes best practices and advises companies about the strict legal framework for cosmetics and personal care products. Representing industry views to the UK Government and external stakeholders CTPA also provides information to the media on many topics relating to the safety of cosmetic products and the cosmetics industry in general.
CTPA main website: ctpa.org.uk
CTPA consumer website: thefactsabout.co.uk
Media enquiries: [email protected]
