The first pillar of the study focuses on the clinical assessment of skin aging through phenotypic and molecular endpoints, providing objective and measurable evidence of visible and functional skin improvements.  Parameters evaluated include:

• Wrinkles measurement
• Skin Firmness & Texture
• Barrier function – Epidermal water loss
• Moisture levels
• Brown spots
• Skin pH

These endpoints quantify the visible manifestations of skin aging and allow direct evaluation of a product’s anti-aging performance under real-use conditions. Learn more

As part of the same clinical study, the impact of a cosmetic product on the skin microbiome can also be evaluated. The analysis includes:

• Identification of microbiome biomarkers associated with skin health
• Detection of microbial characteristics linked to skin ageing
• Evaluation of the composition and diversity of the skin microbial ecosystem
• Study of interactions between microorganisms and changes in the microbial community over time

This approach provides valuable insights into how cosmetic products and active ingredients interact with the skin microbiome. It helps brands better understand product performance, skin compatibility, and the biological mechanisms behind cosmetic efficacy.

Learn more about our Skin Microbiome Studies here.

The second level of evaluation is an in vitro analysis that examines the effect of a cosmetic product on the youthful skin microbiome, which is considered an important biological indicator of skin youthfulness, structure, and firmness.

Through an innovative QACS study involving a large and diverse population across different age groups, specific microbial markers associated with youthful skin, as well as microorganisms linked to mature skin, were identified. The study evaluates how a cosmetic product influences these microbial groups, as research has shown that youthful-looking skin is associated with a youthful skin microbiome.

This approach provides valuable insights into the interaction between cosmetic products and the skin’s microbial ecosystem, supporting a better understanding of product performance and skin health benefits.

Learn more about our Skin Microbiome Studies here.

The third pillar explores the molecular mechanisms underlying skin longevity through an in vitro transcriptomic study using advanced 3D reconstructed skin tissue models.

Gene expression profiling is performed to determine the impact of test products on key biological pathways involved in skin aging, including:

• Dermo-epidermal junction integrity and regeneration
• Cellular stress adaptation mechanisms
• Longevity-associated signaling pathways
• Extracellular structure
• Oxidative stress defense systems
• Anti-inflammatory activity

This molecular-level assessment reveals how a product interacts with fundamental biological processes related to skin aging, providing mechanistic evidence that complements clinical and microbiome findings.