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ACS Analyzes Microscopic Views of Hair Interaction

The ACS announced at its 236th meeting that it has carried out a microscopic analysis of hair fibers interacting with each other. The researchers find that this information will be beneficial to cosmetic chemists who formulate hair repair products.

In Vitro Methods to Test Materials for Ozone Protective Capabilities

Many markers can be used to indicate epidermal stress. Therefore, it becomes clear that the skin is also a sensitive target to ozone exposure and one that could greatly benefit from cosmetic or personal care materials designed to protect against ozone.

Responsilbilities in Outsourcing Clinical Testing

It remains the responsibility of the manufacturer to substantiate the safety of both ingredients and finished cosmetic products prior to their being marketed.

Sensitive Skin Syndrome: Methodological Approaches

Manufacturers of topical products perform rigorous testing to assure that their products are safe for consumers. Of particular interest is determining whether products will irritate the skin of the approximately 50% of consumers surveyed who consider themselves to have “sensitive” skin.

Measuring the Antioxidant Potential of an Acai Extract

The antioxidant potential of cosmetic materials can be evaluated by several methodologies, including a commercial kit that measures total antioxidant status, as illustrated here with a commercial extract from the fruit of the açaí, a Brazilian palm tree. Applications in antiaging products are suggested.

REACH and In Vitro Alternatives: Phototoxicity Testing

This is the third column in a continuing discussion regarding the new REACH regulations and their impact on chemical testing. The first appeared in December 2007 and discussed dermal corrosive potential testing; the second, in February 2008, covered dermal irritancy potential testing.

Molecular Modeling of Skin care Products: Application for the Design of Pepidomimetics

Molecular modeling has been used in the pharmaceutical industry for years to predict how a new molecule may work based on research conducted with molecules of a similar structure. The cosmetics industry has also begun to use this technology to predict the behavior of new molecules on skin and in skin care applications.

Using Ultrasound Scanning to Characterize Colloidal Particles

Changes in the macroscopic nature of aqueous or colloidal formulations can lead to changes in the odor, appearance or feel of a product. Data presented in this article demonstrates ultrasound scanning to determine formulation shelf life and monitor product quality.

Three Decades of Patch Testing: Trends in the North American Populace

This report evaluates the trends in the results of patch testing. The patch test reactions were surveyed retrospectively. The results were statistically compared between 1970 and 2002 because appropriate interpretation of the numbers has public health opportunities.

Green Formulations: Not All Components Are Equal

In the consumer’s mind, a natural or green cosmetic is automatically safe; however, the safety, quality and efficacy of botanical ingredients used in formulations need to be carefully assessed. Stability is also an important issue. Current research is directing analyses of final formulations to evaluate not only their cosmetic raw materials, but also their active materials.

Testing Tactics: REACH and In vitro Alternatives: Skin Irritation Testing

Welcome back to a continuing discussion regarding the new Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) regulation and its impact on chemical testing. It is the purpose of this series of articles to provide an overview of these existing validated in vitro methods, as well as new methods that are being considered for validation.

Texture Analysis to Quantify Skin Care Product Efficacy

Using a texture analyzer to measure the tightness of the skin before and after the application of selected treatments, the authors demonstrate the potential of texture analysis instrumentation in testing the efficacy of skin care products and substantiating skin tightening claims.

In Sight—QOL Testing: Complementing Clinicals

Personal care efficacy tests are known to test the physical effects or toxicity of products, often omitting more abstract and possibly equally as important factors such as well-being.

Rheological Characterization of a Modified Taurate Acrylic Polymer for Skin Care

The rheology of a pre-neutralized, hydrophobically modified acrylic polymer was investigated by dynamic mechanical measurements using this methodological approach to establish its viscoelastic profile and stability in formulations. Properties of several polymer-containing emulsions were studied and their particle size distribution investigated by laser diffraction.

Computer-aided Formulating

Informatics techniques have been developed that are capable of manipulating huge data sets that underpin modern formulation—from mining for information, to analyzing vast amounts of data. This article highlights how the use of computer technology can increase the efficiency and efficacy of formulating.

Dihydroavenanthramide D for Anti-irritant and Anti-itch

Naturally occurring and synthetic avenanthramides were evaluated for their efficacy to inhibit substance P-induced release of histamine from mast cells. In vivo tests showed that four synthetic avenanthramides demonstrated ability to significantly reduce histamine-induced itch and redness. Dihydroavenanthramide D was also shown to be an excellent antioxidant.

Compass: Direct Routes

Will a flourishing category ever chance revealing this truth behind naturals to consumers? Perhaps so, as the naturals market becomes more saturated and key manufacturers seek ways to drive consumer interest into new areas.

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Preservative Efficacy Testing: Accelerating the Process

A preservative efficacy testing method, called accelerated double challenge, rapidly—in 14 days—assesses the ability of a product or material to resist microbial contamination. It also maintains a high degree of correlation with longer-term preservative challenge protocols.