Skincare Safety & Efficacy Testing

Consumers do not want dry skin. Skincare products such as hand soaps, body washes and in-shower body lotions should leave the skin soft and hydrated, even after repeated use.

We use both exaggerated wash and kinetic studies to verify the mildness and moisturizing properties of your skincare products.

• Exaggerated studies – condense weeks of typical use into a few days. Study options include exaggerated arm wash (FCAT) and exaggerated hand wash, and can be used to verify claims such as ‘Gentle’, ‘Mild’ and ‘Non-drying’
• Kinetic studies – measure effectiveness over a set period – one, eight or 24 hours. Study options include the lower leg controlled application test (LCAT) to verify claims such as ‘Moisturizing Formula’, ‘Provides up to XX hours of moisturization’ and ‘Non-drying’

‘Anti-aging’, ‘Anti-wrinkle’, ‘Reduces the Visible Signs of Aging’ – common claims for skincare products but how can you verify their legitimacy?

With laboratories and human panel testing sites in North America, Europe and Asia, SGS has access to a diverse selection of test subjects. Through clinical studies and using advanced technology, such as VISIA CR testing and PRIMOS 3D imaging, we can assess the effectiveness of any anti-wrinkle product under controlled conditions.

Learn more about our approach to testing anti-aging claims >

We offer a range of services to test a variety of claims made for cosmetic products, such as foundations, mascaras, or any other make-up products, including:

• ‘All-day coverage’
• ‘Lasts XX hours’
• Lashes – lengthening and volumizing
• ‘Non-running’ and ‘anti-smudge’
• ‘Suitable for sensitive eyes’ or skin

Demonstrate the effect of your product on the skin.

Additional well-established standard patch tests evaluate whether a test material, after repeated applications, may cause dermal irritation or induce dermal sensitization. Tests can be customized for your specific needs.

Consumers are increasingly reporting skin sensitivity to skincare products. In a marketplace dominated by product claims of ‘dermatologically tested’, how can you differentiate your product?

Our “Dermatologically Tested: Skin Tolerance” approval mark, based on Primary Dermal Irritation (PDI) testing, helps demonstrate specific claims, such as ‘extremely kind to skin’ or ‘for sensitive skin’.

Key benefits:

• Higher product safety
• Lower complaint rates
• Higher consumer confidence
• Differentiates your product in the market
• Increases brand loyalty

Learn more about our Dermatologically Tested: Skin Tolerance approval mark >

Utilizing high-tech instrumentation, image analysis and clinical imaging options, and the latest methods, including suction blister and Newtone ColorFace^® equipment, our studies subject your products to the highest levels of scientific rigor.

In a market built on trust, we invest in the latest new technologies and methodologies to allow you to stay ahead of your competitors.

As an independent partner, and the world leader in inspection, testing and certification services, we offer turnkey and innovative solutions to help you verify the safety, efficacy and quality of your cosmetics and personal care products.

With our global network of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories and human panel testing sites covering all major markets, we have the capabilities in place to help you successfully access international markets and add value to your brand.