If you’ve ever walked into a skincare factory and thought, “This place looks clean enough, so they must be compliant,”—you’re not alone. I used to feel the same. But after sitting through dozens of buyer audits, I learned that ISO 22716 isn’t just about looking clean—it’s about proving a system of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that protects your brand.
Today, let’s break down the 20 audit items you should check onsite when verifying ISO 22716 compliance. This is a checklist every skincare buyer, distributor, or salon owner should keep handy.
Quick Answer
ISO 22716 is the internationally recognized GMP guideline for cosmetics production. Buyers should verify 20 key items on-site, covering documentation, hygiene, raw materials, equipment, facilities, quality control, packaging, complaints, and traceability, to ensure the production of safe, compliant, and trustworthy skincare products.
Read On
Now, let’s unpack these 20 items one by one—so next time you step into a factory, you know exactly where to look (and what red flags to avoid).
1. Documentation Control
An ISO-certified factory must document everything—from SOPs to cleaning logs. If records look sloppy or incomplete, that’s your first red flag. At Amarrie, we conduct strict five-level inspections for every product, and documentation is an integral part of that process.
2. Personnel Hygiene
Auditors always check if workers wear gloves, caps, and uniforms. Believe me, I’ve seen factories where operators mix creams without masks—scary! ISO 22716 requires strict hygiene training. Our team undergoes continuous training to ensure zero contamination risk.
3. Premises Cleanliness
It’s not just about tidy floors. Are there pest-control measures? Is air filtration working? ISO auditors want proof. Our facility is fully GMP and ISO 22716 certified, which means we adhere to EU-level cleanliness protocols.
4. Equipment Maintenance
Old or dirty filling machines can contaminate your serum. Check maintenance logs. At Amarrie, our machinery is regularly calibrated and maintained, ensuring smooth filling for delicate serums like Vitamin C【20†source】.
5. Raw Material Verification
This is a big one. Are ingredients tested before use? We only source from IFF, BASF, Dow Corning, DSM, SEPPIC—the gold standard suppliers【14†source】. Each batch comes with a COA and MSDS before it even enters production.
6. Storage Conditions
Are oils kept away from heat? Are powders moisture-protected? ISO requires temperature and humidity logs. Our storage facilities follow strict climate control protocols, ensuring that raw materials remain stable.
7. Weighing and Measuring Controls
Incorrect weighing = unstable formula. During audits, buyers should ask: Are scales calibrated? Do operators double-check? In our labs, every measurement is cross-verified by senior chemists【14†source】.
8. Production Area Segregation
Cross-contamination is a silent risk. Factories must separate zones for weighing, mixing, filling, and packaging. At Amarrie, our layout follows ISO 22716 zoning, with clean-to-less-clean areas and a forward-flowing design.
9. Batch Production Records
Every product batch should have a record of the raw materials used, the person who mixed it, the date, and the method used. Without this, traceability fails. We guarantee 100% traceability across every serum, toner, or cream (15† source).
10. Filling and Packaging Line Checks
Imagine a serum filled into the wrong bottle—nightmare! ISO requires in-process controls: weight checks, labeling verification, and sealing tests. We use 350g copper paper cartons for protection—stronger than most competitors【14†source】.
11. Packaging Material Quality
Buyers often overlook the fact that packaging is a key component of ISO. Boxes, jars, and tubes must pass inspections. Our tube factory produces 10 million sets monthly and supplies over 80 brands【14†source】.
12. Finished Product Testing
Does the factory test pH, viscosity, and microbial limits? This isn’t optional. Every Amarrie product passes five stages of inspection before shipment【15†source】.
13. Retention Samples
ISO 22716 requires keeping product samples for reference. If a distributor ever reports a complaint, retention samples help trace the issue. We store samples for every single batch.
14. Complaint Handling System
Ask: How does the factory log and resolve complaints? Is there a root cause analysis? We follow strict SOPs, keeping complaint resolution transparent for clients【21†source】.
15. Recall Procedure
A scary thought: what if a batch is unsafe? ISO requires a recall system. During audits, check if factories have mock recalls. We maintain recall readiness, although thankfully, our defect rate is below 0.001% [14†source].
16. Change Control
Formula changes, new packaging, or supplier swaps—all must be documented. Without this, brands risk inconsistency. At Amarrie, we have a 20+ year R&D team to manage and approve every change【14†source】.
17. Subcontractor Management
If a factory outsources packaging or printing, ISO requires audits of the subcontractor. Our printing partner has 30 years of experience and works with top brands.
18. Training and Competency
Staff must be trained, not just hired. ISO auditors often review training records. We invest heavily in training, which is why our team can handle sensitive projects, such as collaborations with Lancôme for OEM purposes.
19. Internal Audits
ISO-certified factories must audit themselves regularly. Ask to see internal audit reports. At Amarrie, our internal audits are a key component of why our pass rate remains 100%.
20. Certification Display and Verification
Finally, don’t just take the sales manager’s word—ask to see ISO 22716, GMP, and FDA registration certificates. We proudly display ours, because compliance builds trust【15†source】.
Final Thoughts
Walking into a factory with this 20-point checklist changes everything. Instead of nodding politely, you’ll know exactly what to look for—and more importantly, what to ask.
That’s why when buyers partner with us, they skip the worry. With ISO 22716, GMP, and FDA certifications, world-class raw materials, and over 20 years of R&D, Amarrie ensures that every serum, cream, and mask is audit-proof.
👉 If you’re curious about how we can support your private-label or wholesale skincare line with certified production, drop us a message. We’ve helped over 2,000 distributors in 180+ countries—and we’d be glad to assist you too【15†source】【19†source】.