Objectively Assessing the Skin Barrier Function
In a previous article, we talked about the stratum corneum (SC), or, skin barrier. This is derived from the Latin name, meaning horned layer, which represents the outermost layer of…
Assessing ‘exfoliation’ and ‘skin renewal’
During the 1970’s and 1980’s, several dermatological studies were conducted to evaluate and compare human skin cell turnover rate in healthy skin on different body regions, as well as examining…
Close up Dry face skin with freckles, acne
A Primer on Skin Hyperpigmentation
What is hyperpigmentation? Our skin colour is determined by the number of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes in our skin. When an excessive or abnormal amount of melanin is produced and…
What parameters indicate ‘healthy’ skin?
Whilst cosmetic products are designed to maintain or improve skin health and appearance, how do we demonstrate this? Over the past two centuries, dermatological research has clearly identified parameters that…
‘Clinically Proven’ claim
The claim clinically proven has become very popular with marketers of both therapeutic and cosmetic products. This is likely due to the fact that this claim may provide consumers with…
Happy russian girl buying cosmetical cream in the shopping mall
Subjective Assessment: Windows Into the Mind of Potential Consumers
Cosmetic products are all about perception. How you view and feel about yourself when using a product is an integral part of using cosmetics, and this should be reflected in…
Male hand holding megaphone with volunteers needed speech bubble. Loudspeaker. Banner for business, marketing and advertising. Vector illustration. Business recruitment ad for charity work concept.
Recruitment Essentials in Cosmetic Trials
Recruitment of study participants is a critical aspect of any research project, and this includes cosmetic trials. Recruitment is normally conducted internally by the research centre performing the study. However,…
26731723 - group of female volunteers smiling at camera on white background
Ethical Considerations in Cosmetic Testing
Although differences exist between medical research and in vivo cosmetic testing, many similarities exist between the two. Clinical trials on therapeutic and cosmetic products both involve: a) humans taking part…
Bad Science or Naughty Marketing?
When making claims about a cosmetic product, it is the responsibility of the marketer ensure that rigorous scientific evidence supports the claims being made1. The marketer must have sufficient information…
Key Factors of Successful Cosmetic Trials
Cosmetic trials are research studies conducted with participants who test cosmetic treatments with the purpose of assessing their efficacy and safety. While laboratory and in vitro studies are important to…