Pick-Up/Pay-Off Assessment Services For Cosmetic Product Development
What is Pick-up/pay-off assessment?
Pick-up/pay-off assessment services measure how makeup products transfer from packaging to skin and their removal characteristics. Labs test whether your lipstick glides smoothly from the bullet, if your powder compact releases the right amount of product per swipe, and how cleanly formulas wash off with different cleansers. These tests use specialized equipment like texture analyzers to quantify application force and product transfer rates, helping you perfect both user experience and formula performance before launch.
Why do you need this service?
Cosmetic labs use pick-up/pay-off testing to measure exactly how much product transfers from packaging to skin or applicator, helping brands optimize their formulas for perfect application. Labs test lipsticks for color payoff intensity, evaluate powder compacts for proper adhesion, and assess cream products for smooth transfer rates—giving you precise data to refine textures before launch.
Who provides Pick-up/pay-off assessment services?
All cosmetic labs providing Pick-up/pay-off assessment services
There is no company providing these services at the moment.
Pick-up and Pay-off Testing for Cosmetic Products
Pick-up and pay-off testing measures how much product transfers from its container to the applicator and then to the skin. These tests help cosmetic labs optimize your formula’s texture, viscosity, and overall performance before production.
What Labs Test During Pick-up Assessment
Testing facilities evaluate how your product behaves with different applicators. They measure the exact amount of product adherence to brushes, sponges, or fingers using precision scales and standardized protocols.
- Weight measurements before and after product contact
- Coverage area calculations on test surfaces
- Consistency checks across multiple applications
- Applicator compatibility with various formula types
Labs typically test 5-10 samples per batch to establish reliable data. Results guide adjustments to rheology modifiers or emulsion systems.
Pay-off Performance Metrics
Pay-off testing focuses on how smoothly and evenly your product transfers to skin. Labs use controlled pressure and motion to simulate real application conditions.
Key measurements include color intensity, coverage uniformity, and blendability scores. For powders, labs check pigment distribution using spectrophotometry. Cream formulas undergo spreadability tests on synthetic skin substrates.
- Transfer efficiency percentages (typically 60-85% for powders)
- Film thickness measurements in microns
- Adhesion strength on different skin types
These assessments directly impact user satisfaction and product reviews. Partner labs on our platform offer complete pick-up/pay-off analysis packages tailored to your product category.
Applications of Pick-up and Pay-off Testing in Product Development
Pick-up/pay-off assessments directly impact product performance by measuring how much formula transfers from packaging to applicator and then to skin.
Powder Product Optimization
Labs use pick-up/pay-off testing for pressed powders to determine ideal compression levels and binder ratios. Testing protocols measure product transfer at 5, 10, and 20 brush strokes to establish consistency benchmarks.
Color cosmetics require specific pay-off targets—eyeshadows need 60-80% pigment transfer on first swipe, while setting powders target 15-25% for sheer coverage. Labs adjust particle size distribution and binding agents based on these measurements to achieve desired application characteristics.
Cream and Stick Formulation Testing
Lipstick and foundation stick assessments focus on transfer efficiency across temperature ranges. Labs test products at 20°C, 25°C, and 35°C to ensure consistent pay-off in different climates.
Testing reveals how wax-to-oil ratios affect product pickup—formulas with 15-20% wax content typically show optimal transfer without excessive drag. Labs measure deposit weight per application stroke and correlate this data with sensory panel feedback to refine textures.
| Product Type | Target Pick-up Range | Key Testing Parameters | Typical Adjustment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressed Powder | 0.8-1.2 mg/stroke | Compression force, brush type | Binder percentage, plate pressure |
| Lipstick | 2.5-4.0 mg/swipe | Temperature stability, glide force | Wax blend, oil viscosity |
| Cream Blush | 1.0-1.5 mg/tap | Finger pressure, blend time | Emollient ratio, thickener type |
| Eyeshadow | 1.5-2.0 mg/swipe | Pigment load, adhesion | Pressing force, binding system |
Ready to optimize your formula’s pick-up and pay-off performance? Connect with specialized testing labs on our platform to access professional assessment services tailored to your product category.