Compliance Check with On-Site Measurements: Advanced Ways in Product Testing

Abstract

Efficacy testing of cosmetic products is carried out worldwide according to specific recognized scientific procedures and criteria. For a typical long-term test regarding the increase of stratum corneum hydration after application of a specific product, volunteers are invited to visit the testing laboratory.

In general, the time span between the visits and the single measurements in the laboratory can be considered a “black box,” not accessible for control of the testing lab. The way, how, when and if the volunteer is following the instructions cannot be monitored by the study coordinators. Few studies have been published on the compliance in application of sun screens and protective creams. In general, the longer the time period between the different follow-up tests, the lower the compliance that can be assumed.

The product performance during the course of the day under the normal real-life conditions of the volunteer, e.g., at home, at work, and during sports, is not taken into consideration or investigated in clinical trials. This information, however, is quite important as the product is meant to be effective under normal conditions and daily life situations of the consumer or patient.

New approaches to measure skin functions by the volunteer himself are introduced. This offers the possibility to perform a study under real-life conditions. Not only the skin condition but also the external conditions, e.g., room temperature and relative humidity as well as time of the day when the measurement is performed, have to be recorded.