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.

For cosmetic manufacturers looking to dive into the depths of skin secrets, Quorum Quenching constitutes an innovative analysis providing key solutions regarding skin bacteria communication.

Our skin is home to a diverse array of skin microorganisms which play an essential role in skin health maintenance and protection against pathogens. These microorganisms, collectively known as skin microbiome, communicate continuously. But how does this communication happen?

The process used by bacterial cells to communicate with each other, and coordinate their behavior based on population density is named quorum sensing. Through quorum sensing, this social network of microbes communicates so effectively that it can modulate gene expression and behavior of entire populations!

What is Quorum Quenching – It is the process of disrupting or inhibiting quorum sensing in microorganisms by using natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the production, detection, or response to quorum sensing molecules. Quorum Quenching has been proposed as a potential strategy to modulate skin microbes behavior and to promote skin health. For example, it can be used to disrupt the biofilms formed by pathogenic skin microbes, making them more susceptible to immune clearance and antimicrobial agents.

How we do it – We have developed a protocol for screening cosmetic formulations, for their ability to inhibit quorum sensing of targeted microbes such as P.acnes and S.aureus. Quorum Quenching Analysis from QACS Lab has been developed so our customers could produce breakthrough quorum quenching technology products (eg. anti-acne), that can inhibit the communication of “bad” skin bacteria and rebalance skin microbiome

Proceed to Quorum Quenching analysis for Cosmetics and 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 assess the transepidermal water loss rate on a selected panel of volunteers.

Under the supervision  of our Dermatologists:
We carry out instrumental TEWL measurements with statistical interpretation of measurements.

We perform all types of tests:

• Short term e.g. 30 minutes water evaporation from the skin (Tewameter® TM 300)
• Long term e.g. 1 week water evaporation from the skin (Tewameter® TM 300)
• Custom TEWL 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 evaluated in 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.