Should I Do a PET or HRIPT First?
One of the most common questions we get at Orivida Research is: “Should I do a PET or HRIPT test first?” The short answer: Always start with a PET.
What Is a PET Test?
PET stands for Preservative Efficacy Test (also known as a challenge test). It evaluates whether the preservatives in your formula can effectively prevent microbial contamination over time. During the test, we intentionally introduce common bacteria, yeast, and mold into your product, then monitor how well the preservative system can neutralize them.
Why Is PET So Important?
Safety First: If your formula can’t withstand microbial contamination, it poses a risk to users and can’t ethically or legally be tested on human skin.
Regulatory Requirement: Many retailers and international markets require PET results as part of product safety documentation.
Foundation for Further Testing: Ensure your formula is microbiologically stable before proceeding to human use trials, such as HRIPT or Safety in Use.
Why PET Comes First
Think of PET as your product’s baseline safety check. Testing on human skin without it could expose volunteers to contaminated or unstable formulas, a clear no-go from both an ethical and regulatory standpoint.
And here’s the hard truth:
If your product doesn’t pass PET testing, there is no point in doing any other testing. You’re essentially wasting time and money.
Without a stable formula, every downstream study from HRIPT to claim substantiation is invalid. That’s why at Orivida, we always recommend confirming preservative efficacy first. It saves you from costly mistakes and ensures your product is safe, credible, and market-ready.
Need a quote for PET or HRIPT testing?
Contact us at Hello@orivida-research.com — we’re happy to walk you through the process.