Current legislation defines the cosmetic product as being able to maintain and improve skin functions. It also states that cosmetic products must be effective and safe for the consumer.
The cosmetic effectiveness of a product is the ability to fulfill the functions for which it was formulated. It is the property that best represents the performance of the product and must be scientifically and objectively demonstrated. The evaluation of cosmetic efficacy therefore represents a guarantee for both the consumer and the cosmetic industry.
Products for hands, feet and legs
The skin of the hands is certainly the most neglected skin on the body when exposed to climatic factors such as wind, cold, UV rays and repeated washing with detergents. The stratum corneum of the skin on the hands thins with age, presenting age spots and dryness. Treatments for the feet combat cracking, fungal and bacterial infections and unpleasant odours, while those for the legs combat heaviness and swelling
Products for cellulite imperfections
Cellulite is an alteration of the hypodermis with hypertrophy of the connective and adipose components, slow blood flow and fluid stasis. In addition to predisposing factors such as female sex, white race and genetic predisposition, a
genetic predisposition, one of the main causes is an increase in adipocyte volume, and diet, alcohol, smoking and sedentary lifestyle are considered risk factors. Even individuals who are not overweight may present with 'orange peel' skin, water retention and heaviness of the limbs.
Stretch marks products
Stretch marks are skin atrophy with the appearance of parallel bands generally located on the abdomen, breasts, upper and lower limbs. The causes are due to individual predisposition, hormonal factors, rapid weight loss and pregnancy. Cosmetic treatment has mainly a preventive action but can also be effective in reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
Firming products
The skin of the body shows the characteristic signs of ageing such as loss of elasticity, firmness and dryness, especially during the menopause period when hormonal support is lacking. Cosmetic treatments are required to moisturise, firm, tone and stimulate the microcirculation.
In vivo instrumental evaluations
Skin hydration
Deep hydration
Skin pH
Transepidermal water loss
Skin elasticity
Skin colorimetry
Skin flowmetry
Skin smoothness
Skin density/echogenicity
Skin temperature
Efficacy for the treatment of cellulite imperfections
Efficacy for the treatment and prevention of stretch mark imperfections
Soothing and repairing efficacy of skin barrier after irritative damage by sodium lauryl sulphate
Soothing and repairing efficacy of skin barrier after UV damage
Skin dryness/exfoliation with d-squames and colorimetry
Sensory evaluations
Sensory analysis is a scientific discipline that identifies, measures and interprets the stimuli evoked by the use of a product and transmitted to the sense organs. It uses a group of panelists trained to perceive and quantify the sensory stimuli generated by the interaction between skin and product. In addition, the user's judgement is collected by filling out a questionnaire evaluating the perceived performance and pleasantness of the product.
Paired comparison test
Ranking test
triangle test
Quantitative descriptive analysis - QDA
Subjective evaluation
Evaluations of harmlessness
Open and/or occlusive patch test on sensitive and/or normal skin
Human Repeated Insult Patch Test - HRIPT
Photopatch Test
Predictive test for hypoallergenicity
Evaluation of comedogenic power
Repeated Arm Wash Test
Hand Immersion Test
Clinical evaluations
Complementing the instrumental assessments are the clinical evaluations performed by the medical specialist (e.g. dermatologist, gynecologist) who objectively assesses the improvement in skin parameters using scores and scales.
