In Sight—QOL Testing: Complementing Clinicals

By: K. Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: January 4, 2008, from the January 2008 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

page 2 of 3

While Sirvent concedes that efficacy testing must be performed on cosmetic products, she notes that the way the products make consumers feel ultimately persuades them to continue using the products. Sirvent and her team saw a drastic increase in the number of personal care products launched in the mass market claiming to promote relaxing and energizing feelings and decided that this increase necessitated some type of test to substantiate the claims of such products.

“People often talk about the impact of cosmetics on the quality of life. This was first communicated in relation to acne and dermatitis for medical means, but no one had evaluated the well-being effects of products used to diminish wrinkles or cellulite,” added Sirvent.

QOL Scales
Currently, the company’s two types of well-being tests are the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS) and the Well-being Manifestation Measure Scale (WBMMS). These two tests involve different time periods of effect.

“BMIS is dedicated to immediate well-being,” explained Sirvent. “It evaluates the mood of the consumer, evaluating the short-term effect of a product such as a perfume or a facial treatment. The BMIS researches how a person feels before and after a treatment, or the product’s perceived efficacy,” explained Sirvent.

She further clarified that the WBMMS evaluates the long-term effects such as mood and confidence in a product claiming to improve skin issues such as wrinkles or cellulite. It involves six dimensions such as self-esteem, balance, social engagement, happiness, sociability, self-control and control of events.