Clinical Efficacy Testing for Cosmetics
Use tests and clinical efficacy testing support claim substantiation, safety and efficacy of personal care, cosmetic and beauty products. Consisting of protocol variety, scientific know-how, advanced measuring equipment and expanded volunteer base, Clinical Efficacy testing services from QACS labs support you with cosmetic claim substantiation. Studies are conducted under optimal scientific practices and regulatory compliance.
Consumer In-use tests, designed in accordance with manufacturer requirements, are conducted according specific instructions regarding application and period of use. Test Cosmetic Efficacy and promise valid cosmetic claims to consumers.
Skin Testing
QACS offers skin Cosmetic Microbiome studies in the form of clinical trials to substantiate product microbiome claims. Our dedicated team offers a variety of options on skin microbiome evaluation to address your product needs. Microbiome studies, adopted to your product’s needs and budget, are provided in the form of customized protocols. At QACS we conduct Microbiome Balance and Microbiome Friendly studies.
Our skin, home to a diverse array of microorganisms, plays important roles in skin health maintenance and protection against pathogens. These microorganisms, collectively known as skin microbiome, are essential to skin health. Quorum sensing has been shown to play a catalytic role in the behavior of the skin microbes as it is used to coordinate the production of biofilms on the skin surface.
In the context of the skin microbiome, quorum quenching has been proposed as a potential strategy for modulating the behavior of skin microbes and promoting skin health. For example, several studies have suggested that quorum quenching could be used to disrupt the biofilms formed by pathogenic skin microbes, making them more susceptible to immune clearance and antimicrobial agents.
We have developed QQA Service so our customers could roll out breakthrough quorum quenching technology products (eg. anti-acne), that can inhibit the communication of “bad” skin bacteria and rebalance skin microbiome.
This is done by a protocol developed for screening constituents or formulations, for their ability to inhibit quorum sensing of targeted microbes such as P.acnes and S.aureus. In summary, constituent or formulation is applied at ranging concentrations and at different stages of bacterial cultures (ATCC) known for biofilm formation.
Quantification of biofilm formation is performed using a modified and optimized methodology of biofilm staining and measurement in microtiter plates, which has been widely applied in literature, in various formats and for a variety of microorganisms. A suitable candidate substance should be able to inhibit biofilm formation by inhibiting quorum sensing under these in-vitro conditions.
In the context of laboratory cosmetic testing, researchers can employ quorum quenching analysis to identify and assess cosmetic ingredients or formulations that possess quorum quenching properties. This analysis involves studying the effects of these substances on microbial communication, determining their ability to interfere with quorum sensing and potentially shift the microbial balance in favor of skin beneficial properties.
We assess the hydration capacity of cosmetic products on a selected panel of volunteers.
Under the supervision of our Dermatologists:
- We carry out instrumental moisture measurements.
- We statistically interpret all measurements.
We perform all types of tests:
- Short term e.g. 2-hour moisture (Moisture Meter SC or Corneometer® CM 825)
- Long tem e.g. 1-week moisture (Moisture Meter SC or Corneometer® CM)
- Custom moisture tests
We evaluate skin color using the VISIA Complexion Analysis System & Pantone scale. Under the supervision of our dermatologists we:
- Perform clinical evaluations.
- Take before and after photographs.
- Provide auto-evaluation reports compiled by the selected panel of volunteers (in-use test, questionnaires).
We evaluate the effect of cosmetic products on wrinkles using the VISIA Complexion Analysis System and Visioscan.
Under the supervision of our dermatologists we:
- Carry out instrumental wrinkle and fine-line depth measurements.
- Statistically interpret all measurements.
- Perform clinical evaluations.
- Take before and after photographs.
- Provide auto-evaluation reports compiled by the selected panel of volunteers (in-use test, questionnaires).
We evaluate the elasticity effect of cosmetic products on the skin using ElastiMeter.
Under the supervision of our dermatologists we:
- Carry out instrumental elasticity measurements.
- Statistically interpret all measurements.
- Perform clinical evaluation.
- Provide auto-evaluation reports compiled by the selected panel of volunteers (in-use test, questionnaires).
We assess Redness and Porphyrins reduction properties of cosmetic products on the face using the VISIA Complexion Analysis System.
Under the supervision of our dermatologists we:
- Carry out instrumental red-area & porphyrins measurements.
- Statistically interpret all measurements.
- Perform clinical evaluations.
- Take before and after photographs.
- Provide auto-evaluation reports compiled by the selected panel of volunteers (in-use test, questionnaires).
We assess the effect of cosmetic products on the secretion level of sebum. Under the supervision of our dermatologists:
- We carry out instrumental sebum measurements.
- We statistically interpret all sebum measurements.
We perform two types of tests:
- Sebum in-use test (Sebumeter® SM 815)
- Desquamation test (Corneofix® F 20)
- Provide auto-evaluation questionnaires answered by the selected panel of volunteers
We assess Pores, UV and Brown spots measurements of cosmetic products on the face using the VISIA Complexion Analysis System.
Under the supervision of our Dermatologists:
- We carry out instrumental Pores-UV-Brown spots measurements.
- We statistically interpret all measurements.
- We perform clinical evaluations.
- We take before and after photographs.
- We provide auto-evaluation questionnaires answered by the selected panel of volunteers.
We provide evidence on the comedolytic action and non-comedogenicity of cosmetic products using the Sebumeter® or Sebutape® & Dermatoscope. Under the supervision of our dermatologists we:
- Assess the products based on an assessment scale.
- Use standardized digital imaging and picture comparison computer software.
- Statistically interpret all measurements.
- Take before and after photographs.
At QACS we conduct Sensory evaluation of cosmetics, household and personal care products following international standardized protocols and practices. Sensory experts, trained judges and consumers participate in the assessment of the sensorial characteristics of products. The sensory perception in terms of smell, aspect, texture and others is studied and described for the optimization of new developments and comparison to Market Leaders. Sensory testing is a powerful tool in product benchmarking.
During a use test, volunteers are recruited to use the product under normal conditions and as specified by the sponsor for a determined period of time. Inclusion criteria that match the target consumer of the product can be chosen from the study sponsor. These studies are conducted under the supervision of a trained clinical professional according to the target area of the product (dermatologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, cosmetologist).
If you wish, we suggest optimal questionnaires to be answered by volunteers by the end and/or during the study.
Hair
We assess the anti-dandruff effect of cosmetic products using anti-dandruff desquamation (Corneofix® F 20).
Under the supervision of our Dermatologists we:
- Perform clinical evaluation.
- Take before and after images.
- Provide auto-evaluation questionnaires answered by the selected panel of volunteers.
Hair combing force tests from QACS assist you assess the performance of a treatment intended for hair application. You can measure Hair Combability ie the ease with which hair may be combed. This can be achieved via Hair Combing Force or Resistance to Combing tests. Hair combing force tests can be applied for conditioners, shampoos, sprays and other hair products.
At QACS we conduct Sensory testing analysis of cosmetics, household and personal care products following standardized international protocols and practices. Sensory experts, trained judges and consumers participate in the assessment of the sensorial characteristics. The sensory perception in terms of smell, aspect, texture, is studied and described for the optimization of new developments. Sensory testing is a powerful tool in product benchmarking.
We assess the efficacy of epilating wax and measure hair growth using a dermatoscope. Under the supervision of our Dermatologists:
- We perform clinical evaluations.
- We carry out before and after assessment.
- We provide auto-evaluation questionnaires answered by the selected panel of volunteers.
During a use test, volunteers are recruited to use the product under normal conditions and as specified by the sponsor for a determined period of time. Inclusion criteria that match the target consumer of the product can be chosen from the study sponsor. These studies are conducted under the supervision of a trained clinical professional.
If you wish, we suggest optimal questionnaires to be answered by volunteers by the end and/or during the study.
“Reducing hair loss” or “preventing hair fall” are popular claims for cosmetics products. We assess the effect of cosmetic products on a selected panel of volunteers.
Under the supervision of our Dermatologists we:
- Perform clinical evaluation.
- Take before and after images.
- Provide auto-evaluation questionnaires answered by the selected panel of volunteers.
Eyes
Clinical Efficacy Testing for Eye products.
Ophthalmological assessment of cosmetic products after an application period using a slit lamp. If the results are satisfactory, the claim “ophthalmologically tested” can be written on the label.
During a use test, volunteers are recruited to use the product under normal conditions and as specified by the sponsor for a determined period of time. Inclusion criteria that match the target consumer of the product can be chosen from the study sponsor. These studies are conducted under the supervision of an ophthalmologist and trained clinical professionals.
If you wish, we suggest optimal questionnaires to be answered by volunteers by the end and/or during the study.
Oral Care
At QACS we conduct Sensory testing analysis of cosmetics, household and personal care products following standardized international protocols and practices. Sensory experts, trained judges and consumers participate in the assessment of the sensorial characteristics. The sensory perception in terms of smell, aspect, texture, is studied and described for the optimization of new developments. Sensory testing is a powerful tool in product benchmarking.
In vivo clinical studies for oral care products evaluate safety, performance and assist you reach marketing claims. We test toothpastes, mouthwashes, whitening pens and other oral care products to substantiate claims such as whitens teeth, fresh breath, prevents plaque, protect cavities. Studies are conducted under the scientific supervision of dentists.
During a use test, volunteers are recruited to use the product under normal conditions and as specified by the sponsor for a determined period of time. Inclusion criteria that match the target consumer of the product can be chosen from the study sponsor. These studies are conducted under the supervision of a dentists and trained clinical professional personnel.
If you wish, we suggest optimal questionnaires to be answered by volunteers by the end and/or during the study.
Clinical Efficacy Testing Methodology
QACS clinical efficacy testing includes
- In use tests
- Ophthalmological tests
- Dermatological tests – Patch and HRIPT tests
- standard & custom testing protocols
- pool of more than 1000 volunteers, male or female, aged 18 to 65, covering a wide range of specific characteristics (e.g. sensitive skin, comedones, oily skin, normal skin, dry skin, normal eyes, contact lens wearers etc.)
- Skin type diversity facilitates all types of cosmetic efficacy testing and enables product claims substantiation
- Test panel can be customized
Dermatologists, Ophthalmologists and Dentists provide clinical efficacy testing throughout the evaluation.
At the end of the study, a final report is delivered which includes:
- Data interpretation and statistical analysis
- Documented experts opinion
- Panelists opinion
- High-resolution images of the skin surface for marketing purposes upon request
If you are based in the EU, we offer 24-hour courier service.
To provide the highest possible quality for your products, we comply with the following ISO 9001 quality management system regulatory requirements.
For standard and custom Clinical Efficacy testing for cosmetics contact us – [email protected] – +30 210 29 34745