--- type: "WebPage" title: "Methanol analysis and assay laboratory according to CSAR" description: "Do you need a methanol analysis according to CSAR? Methanol and cosmetics Methanol is not intentionally used in cosmetics because of its high toxicity. However, it may be present as an impurity or residual contaminant during the manufacture of certain..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/analysis-methanol-csar/" tags: ["EN", "pll_6745dfc940b3e", "Clément BOENARD"] timestamp: "2026-07-24T13:31:05Z" published: "2024-11-27T08:16:35Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Methanol analysis and assay laboratory according to CSAR ## Do you need a methanol analysis according to CSAR? ### Methanol and cosmetics Methanol is **not intentionally used** in cosmetics because of its **high toxicity**. However, it may be present as an **impurity** or **residual contaminant** during the manufacture of certain ingredients or solvents. The use of methanol in the [cosmetics industry](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics.md) is **strictly limited**, and manufacturers must ensure that any contamination is avoided. ### What is CSAR? The **CSAR** (*Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation*) is the Chinese regulation that came into force on January 1, 2021, governing the supervision and administration of cosmetic products. It replaced the previous 1989 regulation and aims to strengthen the quality, safety, and efficacy of cosmetics on the Chinese market. ### CSAR and Methanol Methyl alcohol, commonly known as [methanol](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-methanol.md), is a mobile, colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid. It is used as a solvent (in paints and dyes or to dissolve fats, plastics, and mineral salts), as an antifreeze (for coolant), and as a fuel. Methanol is a [raw material](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-raw-material-inspection.md) used in the composition of other chemicals such as alcohol, plastics, or synthetic resins. When it comes to **methanol**, CSAR primarily aims to ensure the safety of cosmetic products for consumers. Its main objectives are to: **Limit methanol concentrations.**Indeed, methanol is strictly regulated as a toxic [impurity](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-detection-identification-impurities.md). Its concentration in cosmetics must not exceed the permitted limits in order to avoid harmful effects such as skin irritation or systemic effects. **Strengthen compliance testing.**To do this, cosmetic manufacturers must prove that their products meet these limits through specific analysis, particularly for solvents or products containing alcohols. **Ensure strict post-market surveillance.**In this context, the authorities carry out regular checks to detect the presence of methanol, ensuring that products on the market comply with the applicable standards. ## The FILAB laboratory performs methanol assay according to CSAR ### Why choose FILAB for methanol assay according to CSAR? The FILAB laboratory is the ideal partner for methanol assay within the CSAR framework thanks to its expertise in chemical analysis, state-of-the-art equipment ([GC-MS](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-analysis-chromatographie-gc-ms/), [HS-GC-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/hs-gc-ms-analysis-in-the-laboratory.md)) and its [ISO 17025](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en/laboratory-analysis-iso-17025.md) accreditation. It guarantees accurate results that comply with Chinese regulatory requirements, while offering personalized support, from [method validation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/life-cycle-of-an-analytical-method-in-the-laboratory/laboratory-analytical-method-validation/validation-of-analytical-methods-on-your-cosmetic-products-according-to-the-iso-22176-standard.md) to formulation optimization. With its responsiveness and flexibility, FILAB is committed to providing fast results tailored to your needs to ensure your cosmetic products comply with the Chinese market. ## Our analysis services according to CSAR [Analysis and assay of heavy metals according to CSAR](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-heavy-metal/analysis-laboratory-according-to-chinese-regulations-csar.md) [Residual solvent analysis](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/laboratory-for-the-analysis-of-residual-solvents-in-cosmetic-products.md) [Assay of preservatives in cosmetic products](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/laboratory-analysis-preservatives-cosmetic.md) [Analysis and assay of 1.4 dioxane according to CSAR](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/analysis-1-4-dioxane-csar.md) Analysis of sunscreens (organic and inorganic) Cleaning process validation ## Our cosmetic analysis services Heavy metal analysis in [cosmetic raw materials](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics.md) by [ICP-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md): natural mica, sericites, metal oxides ([titanium oxide](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/laboratoire-analysis-metallurgiques/laboratoire-analyse-alliage-titane-ta6v/), zinc oxide, iron oxide...), talc, clay... [Analysis of elemental impurities by ICP according to USP 233 in pharmaceutical products](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/laboratoire-analysis-ich-q3d/) (ICH Q3D regulatory compliance) Heavy metal or catalyst trace analysis in[packaging and packaging materials](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/packaging-analysis-laboratory-for-the-pharmaceutical-industry.md) Heavy metal analysis according to[ISO 21392](https://filab.fr/en/determination-of-heavy-metals-according-to-iso-213922021.md) [Cosmetic Powder Characterization](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/analysis-characterization-cosmetic-powders.md) Quantitative analysis of heavy metals in [finished cosmetic products](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics.md) by ICP-MS: lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliners... [Mineral Chemical Analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/our-mineral-analysis-equipment.md) [Determination and quantification of mercury traces in cosmetics according to ISO 23674 and 23821](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-heavy-metal/determination-trace-amounts-mercury-cosmetics-according-iso-fdis-23674.md) [Heavy Metal Analysis for the cosmetics industry](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-heavy-metal.md) [Preservative Analysis in Cosmetic Products](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/laboratory-analysis-preservatives-cosmetic.md)