How do I test my Skincare Products?

Testing skincare products requires a structured approach to assess the products effectiveness and safety. This involves various methods, including in vitro testing, and clinical trials. As a consumer, testing skincare requires the products compatibility with personal needs. These testing include methods such as in-store testing, and patch testing.

Testing methodologies 

In vitro testing

In vitro testing plays a critical role in assessing the safety and efficacy of skincare products. Under the European legislation, the evaluation of individual cosmetic ingredients is essential, with a strict prohibition on animal testing for cosmetic ingredients and products since 2004 and 2009, respectively. Additionally, the sale of products containing ingredients tested on animals has been banned since 2009 (Almeida, Sarmento & Rodrigues, 2017). 

To meet these regulatory requirements, the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) has developed and validated various in vitro models such as skin irritation potential on cultured human or mammalian cell lines, skin cytotoxicity, skin and eye corrosion and irritation, phototoxicity…etc, to predict the safety and toxicity of cosmetic ingredients. These cell-based systems are valuable tools that provide reliable alternatives to animal testing, enabling researchers to evaluate factors such as absorption, permeability, and potential toxicity  (Almeida, Sarmento & Rodrigues, 2017). 

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are crucial for evaluating the performance of skincare products on human subjects. They consist of different phases and each phase typically involves a significant number of participants and incorporate both subjective feedback and objective assessments. 

For example, a 4-week clinical study with 176 participants tested five targeted skincare formulations addressing irritated skin, dry skin, aging skin, oily skin, and dark circles. Results from the clinical study showed significant improvements in all conditions, with the products proving effective and safe, and no adverse effects (Duschek et al., 2022).

Consumer evaluation methods

In store testing

This allows consumers to directly observe the immediate effects of a skincare product on their skin. By evaluating factors such as texture, absorption, and any visible improvements, such as reduced redness or smoother skin, consumers can gain insight into the product's performance. This first hand observation is important, as it provides a sense of how the product may work for their individual skin needs.

Patch testing

Before using a new skincare product, it's advised to do a patch test. This involves applying a small amount of the product to a small area of your skin, like behind your ear or on your wrist, and leaving it for a certain period of time (usually 24-48 hours). This allows you to check for any signs of irritation, redness, or allergic reaction before applying the product to larger areas of your skin. It's a simple way to test if the product is safe to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, testing skincare products is a crucial step in ensuring the products safety, effectiveness, and suitability for individual skin needs. There are a variety of testing methods that help provide a comprehensive understanding of how products perform. While in vitro models offer an ethical alternative to animal testing and clinical trials provide valuable insights into product performance, consumer methods are crucial to allow individuals to assess the product's compatibility with their own skin. 

References

Almeida, A., Sarmento, B., & Rodrigues, F. (2017). Insights on in vitro models for safety and 

toxicity assessment of cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 519(1-2), 178–185.doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.01.024 

Duschek N, Cajkovsky M, Prinz V, Müller D, Hundsamer A, Baierl A, Möllhoff N, Sulovsky M, 

Frank K. An open-label, 4-week, prospective clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel targeted skin care line addressing five common skin conditions. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Nov;21(11):5760-5768. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15223. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35810352.