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.