Prop 65 Testing for California Compliance
If you sell supplements, functional foods, or cosmetics in California, or even ship to customers there, you’re responsible for meeting the state’s Proposition 65 chemical safety requirements. At Ayah Labs, we provide precise, lab-backed testing for heavy metals, phthalates, and other listed chemicals.
Why Prop 65 Testing Is Essential
California Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn consumers when products contain chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. That list includes over 900 substances and keeps growing.
If your product contains more than trace amounts of a listed chemical, you may be legally required to apply a warning label. Without testing, it’s impossible to know if you’re in the clear. Violations can lead to lawsuits, Amazon removals, or class action notices, often without warning.
Even if you’re not based in California, Prop 65 applies the moment your product enters the state. Lab testing is your only safeguard.
What Prop 65 Covers (and How It Affects You)
Prop 65 compliance isn’t only for the purpose of avoiding a fine but also for protecting consumers and your brand. The chemicals on the list vary by product type, which is why our panels are tailored to your category and risk profile.
Heavy metals like lead and arsenic
These naturally occurring elements often show up in supplements, teas, and botanicals. Even trace levels above the state’s safe harbor limit can require a warning label.
Phthalates in packaging and cosmetics
Common in flexible plastics, phthalates like DEHP or DBP are regulated under Prop 65. They’re often found in beauty products, coatings, or soft-touch materials.
Solvents and VOCs in fragrances or cleaning agents
Ingredients like toluene or formaldehyde may appear in fragranced personal care items. If present above allowed thresholds, they trigger Prop 65 enforcement.
Agricultural residues in teas and botanicals
Pesticides, herbicides, and other agrochemicals are tightly regulated under Prop 65, especially in herbal supplements and food blends sourced globally.
Byproduct chemicals from manufacturing or cooking
Compounds like acrylamide can form during processing or high-heat preparation. Without lab testing, they’re often missed—until it’s too late.
Testing Methods and Reporting
Our laboratory uses validated analytical methods to detect and quantify Prop 65-listed substances. But we don’t stop at measurement—we calculate realistic exposure levels and help you understand whether a warning is required.
Validated methods (USP, EPA, AOAC)
We follow industry-standard protocols using ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, and GC-MS techniques—delivering reliable data you can stand behind.
Exposure-level calculations (µg/day)
Raw numbers alone aren’t enough. We apply exposure assessments based on product use to determine if levels exceed MADL or NSRL limits.
Amazon and retailer-friendly documentation
Every report includes batch numbers, test results, and exposure summaries in a format acceptable for marketplace and regulatory upload.
Reporting timelines and sample requirements
Standard turnaround is 5 business days, with rush options available. We’ll guide you on how to prepare and ship your samples for best results.
Products We Test for Prop 65
Prop 65 applies to a wide range of product categories, many of which contain naturally occurring or trace contaminants that are hard to detect without lab analysis. We work with brands across industries to identify risks early and build confident, compliant listings.
- Dietary supplements – vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, adaptogens
- Superfoods and functional ingredients – greens powders, teas, botanical blends
- Personal care and hygiene products – lotions, balms, cosmetics, oral care
- Pet products – supplements, chews, powders for companion animals
- Food and beverage items – wellness shots, protein shakes, herbal infusions
- Plastic packaging – especially items in contact with ingestible or topical products
Why Choose Ayah Labs for Prop 65 Testing
We know Prop 65 compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s a moving target. That’s why we give our clients more than just data. We provide context, clarity, and control.
Midwest-based with global reach
We serve North American brands from our Chicago lab, with shipping support for clients worldwide.
Responsive service for urgent compliance needs
Our team handles rush testing requests and supports Amazon reinstatements with full documentation.
Scientific integrity, explained in plain language
We help you understand your exposure results—not just hand over a report.
Support for private labelers, consultants, and manufacturers
We work with contract manufacturers and brand builders to simplify testing across portfolios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selling Into California? Test First.
Don’t leave Prop 65 compliance up to chance. Ayah Labs helps you understand what’s in your product and what it means for your customers, your listings, and your brand.
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