Most Popular in Testing
- Zeta Potential and Particle Size to Predict Emulsion Stability
- South Korea May Be Ending Animal Testing for Cosmetics
- Evaluating 1,3-Propanediol for Potential Skin Effects
- Measuring Hair Strength, Part I: Stress-Strain Curves
- Non-Invasive Measurement of Epidermal Proteins for Psoriasis and Skin Care*
- Preservative Efficacy Testing: Accelerating the Process
- Evaluating Hair Conditioning with Instrumental Combing
- Quantifying the Performance of Hair Styling Products—Part 1
- Improving the UV Exposure of Sunscreen During In vitro Testing
- Hair as a Test Substrate
Most Recent in Testing
Quantifying Hair Color Fading
Jan 29, 2015
Around 10-12 years ago, shampoos and conditioners began appearing on the market claiming to be “color safe.” This strongly resonated with consumers. The present article discusses various contributors to the color fade process with a specific emphasis on measurements to quantify and understand color fade.
South Korea May Be Ending Animal Testing for Cosmetics
Jan 13, 2015
Reports are circulating that South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has published a "5 Year Plan for Animal Welfare" that establishes a plan to phase out animal testing for cosmetic products and eventually cosmetic ingredients.
Zeta Potential and Particle Size to Predict Emulsion Stability
Nov 19, 2014
Emulsions are popular vehicles in skin care due to their affinity for the skin; however, they are thermodynamically unstable systems. This study investigates zeta potential and particle size distribution as potential screening tools to predict instabilities in emulsion-based cosmetic products, to supplement regular accelerated stability testing.
Hair as a Test Substrate
Nov 12, 2014
Hair is a distinctly variable material, and the nature of this substrate can have a major impact on laboratory test results. This article discusses hair as a laboratory substrate to provide guidance on minimizing variability and creating optimal test conditions.
L'Oréal Obtains Business License to Market Chinese Episkin
Oct 8, 2014
L'Oréal was granted a Chinese business license for Shanghai Episkin Biotechnology Ltd., the company it created to market the Asian version of its reconstructed skin model Episkin.
Non-Invasive Measurement of Epidermal Proteins for Psoriasis and Skin Care*
Sep 17, 2014
Abnormal epidermal turnover in psoriatic skin impairs its barrier function and tissue repair capabilities. Therefore, studies of hyperkeratinization and hyperproliferation have been conducted to better understand the disease. Here, the administration of heavy water and a tape-stripping method are used to measure skin protein turnover in psoriatic skin and surrounding tissues. Results demonstrate benefits over other proliferation measurements.
Improving the UV Exposure of Sunscreen During In vitro Testing
Aug 25, 2014
In any sun protection evaluation method, an irradiation step is required to determine the photostability of the UV filters in a product. The aim of this study was to identify key parameters involved to improve this UV exposure. Here, the authors consider temperature at the substrate surface, air flow influence and beam uniformity during UV exposition.
Quantifying the Performance of Hair Styling Products—Part 2
Aug 21, 2014
A previous article discussed traditional measurements to assess the properties of hair spray products. However, the properties of polymer films deposited by these products are not constant and can be altered by both formulation means and environmental conditions. This article highlights additional useful measurement techniques for characterizing these film properties.
Testing and Developing a Sugar-derived Surfactant Blend for Delicate Skin
Jul 1, 2014
Vegetable-derived, mild and sustainable skin cleansing ingredients are in demand, and this has led to the development of new detergent structures. Described here is a combination of two mild surfactants that fulfils these requirements using the concept of “interrupted soap” to impart mildness. Studies to verify the functional, sensorial and mild characteristics of the new blend are detailed.
From the Archives … Flexabrasion: A Method for Evaluating Hair Strength
Jun 1, 2014
From the December 2001 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries, this article describes how both bending and abrasion should be tested–along with extension–when evaluating hair strength, as the authors show here in tests of an active developed to increase the strength of bleached hair.
Quantifying the Performance of Hair Styling Products—Part 1
May 20, 2014
There are two general classifications of hair styling products—those that help with style creation and those that prolong the style. Both facilitating style creation and promoting hold longevity stem from the presence of water-soluble polymers in formulations. This paper discusses methods to evaluate these properties and quantify performance.
Proposed Method to Evaluate the Microbiological Stability of Cosmetics During Use
May 1, 2014
The authors propose an approach to assess the microbial stability of a product during use, referred to as the Microbiological Use Test (MUT), and apply this analysis in case studies to predict the microbiological risk of commercial products. The described test has been used successfully in the development of cosmetics.
Correlating Aging with Skin’s Mechanical and Optical Properties
May 1, 2014
The aim of this study was to monitor the evolution of biomechanical and optical properties of the skin with aging. Different biophysical parameters were measured, including skin: elasticity and firmness, color, brightness, fluorescence emission, sebum content, hydration and pH. A significant evolution of the evaluated parameters with aging was observed.
Octocrylene Concerns Flag Industry's Attention
Apr 23, 2014
The industry reacts to a new study published in Contact Dermatitis reviews reports of the UV absorber octocrylene for its potential to cause photo contact allergy.
Sandblasting to Improve the Reproducibility of In vitro Sunscreen Evaluation
Mar 20, 2014
SPF test results from substrates treated using a traditional sandblasting technique are compared with those from substrates treated using a new process. Based on the topographic control of 10 batches and 34 sunscreen evaluations, the authors concluded the new process had better topographic reproducibility, consequently improving the SPF repeatability and reproducibility in vitro.
Researchers Dig Deeper Into Relationship Between Bacteria and Atopic Dermatitis
Mar 4, 2014
Researchers from the Drexel University College of Medicine have established a clearer relationship between Staphylococci bacteria and the conditions atopic dermatitis (AD) and eczema.
Collagens I and III, and Elastin Activation for Anti-aging
Feb 24, 2014
As an alternative to semi-invasive facial rejuvenation techniques, the authors developed an active ingredient to reactivate senescent fibroblasts by stimulating metabolic pathways for collagens I and III, and elastin. The biological activity of the resulting ingredient is investigated here using in vitro models, ex vivo explants and human volunteers.
Measuring the Water Content of Hair
Feb 21, 2014
Consumers have demonstrated a clear desire for hair that isn’t “dried out” while also demonstrating a clear distaste for the effects of high humidity on hair. To find the balance in creating products, it is necessary to have an accurate means of measuring hair’s water content. This article describes equipment used to perform this task while highlighting experimental variables that can produce suspect results and lead to incorrect conclusions.
‘Anti-imperfection’ Claims
Jan 24, 2014
Four tests can be undertaken to substantiate the claims covered in this article. Colorimetry analyzes pre- and post-product application skin tone. A Cutometer or dermal torque meter measures the rate of skin extension pre- and post-product treatment, and stratum corneum turnover tests and acute profilometry studies show the rate at which skin is renewed or changes in the evenness of skin occur.
State of São Paulo in Brazil Bans Cosmetic Testing on Animals
Jan 24, 2014
This ban in the Brazilian state follows a ban from India, Israel and the European Union, as well as debate and potential regulation changes in countries like China.
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Apply Topically: A Guide to Formulating
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Coloring the Cosmetic World
Finally! A practical resource on cosmetic pigments in one book. Edwin B. Faulkner offers a comprehensive look at what goes into selecting colors for decorative cosmetic products. Order your copy today.