Covid-19: CTPA updates guidance on cosmetics testers in stores, salons & spas

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has released updated guidance on the use of testers by retailers, salons and spas in the hair, beauty and wellness sector.

The guidance, which has been supported by the British Beauty Council, British Retail Consortium and Cosmetics and Perfumery Association (COPRA), is aimed at reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission and will be reviewed and updated as government advice changes.

The CTPA guidance aligns with the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) alert levels for the risk presented by the circulation of Covid-19. At the time of writing, the UK is in alert level four.

Alert level 5/Alert level 4

If the UK is placed in alert level five (where there is a material risk of healthcare services being directly overwhelmed by Covid-19), personal care services may face strict restrictions. However, if they are able to operate then it is advised that they follow a ‘touch free’ phase. If the UK is in alert level four (where a Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation, transmission is high and direct pressure on healthcare services is widespread and substantial or rising), it may also be applicable to implement this phase.

In this phase:

• Self-select testers (testers available for consumers to try in an unsupervised self-select environment) should not be available, as it is vital that there is no physical contact between customers and staff.
• Training should be provided to staff on how to reassure customers of the safety procedures in place and engage them. The guidance suggests that methods such as digital images and explainers are original ways to convey a product’s ethos and features.
• Display products can be on view and it is recommended that they are behind a screen.
• Controlled testers (testers provided in a controlled environment by a staff member, such as samples administered using a disposable applicator) are unlikely to be appropriate.

Alert level 4/Alert level 3

If the UK is in alert level four or alert level three (when a Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation) and the use of controlled testers creates a low risk of contamination and transmission, a ‘controlled testers’ phase may be introduced.

In this phase:

• Controlled testers should generally still operate under a touch-free system, meaning that they should be handled by staff and not customers unless specific safety protocols are in place.
• Single-use controlled testers can be provided to customers upon request, with hand sanitising or washing required after customer interaction.
• Staff should be trained on procedures related to controlled testers and gloves are recommended for staff and/or customers.
• Self-select testers should not be available.

Alert level 3/Alert level 2/Alert level 1

If the UK is in alert level three but the circulation of Covid-19 is not a significant cause for concern, then a ‘self-select’ phase may be appropriate. This phase is also applicable to alert level one (where Covid-19 is not present in the UK) and alert level two (where Covid-19 is present but the number of cases and transmission is low).

In this phase:

• Self-select testers can be reintroduced if there is a low risk of transmission and strict hygienic standards are followed.
• The controlled testers protocols set out in the ‘controlled testers’ phase should still be followed.

The CTPA states that the information provided is a guide and each company will have different procedures that may change the timeframe in which it is appropriate to introduce testers.

Read the full guidance here.