STEP 4: Risk Assessment

Having reviewed the safety of ingredients and formulations, the risk assessment is performed. The risk assessor evaluates the probability that adverse effects may occur when a product is used as intended or in ways that can reasonably be foreseen. In order for a product to be approved for use, the risk assessment must demonstrate that the product is safe for its intended use and that an adequate margin of safety exists even if it is misused in a foreseeable way. All the toxicological end points that are relevant to the conditions in which the product is used must have been adequately addressed.

In the best case, the risk assessment indicates that the ingredient or the product is ready to continue its journey towards the store shelves. However, if the risk assessment indicates that the ingredient or product does not meet P&G safety standards, the product will not be sold.

Read about the last step:   Introduction of the Product and Post-Market Surveillance