To be able to test skincare products for money is a unique and exciting opportunity — especially for those interested in the beauty industry. Whether you just love to try out the latest products or you’re someone who is actively trying to improve the look and feel of your skin, here’s why you should consider testing skincare products.
How Are Skincare Products Developed?
When you go to your local drugstore to browse the newest skincare products, you may not give the product development process much thought, and you shouldn’t need to. After all, when you buy a product, you expect that it will work as stated on the label.
Whether a cream claims to fight the signs of aging or protect your skin against harmful UV rays, or any other cosmetic or beauty claim, each claim must be supported by data collected in a professional clinical study.
Although the process will differ from one product to the next, every product begins as an idea. Maybe the new product idea answers a specific need in the marketplace, or maybe the idea answers a need to reformulate an existing product to improve its performance.
Either way, the product development team must then conduct extensive laboratory research on the formulation to achieve its goals for quality, efficacy, and safety with an eye toward the end-user profile. For example, who will use the product, and how will they use it? What are their concerns?
When a prototype formula is ready, independent testing is conducted to assure that the end-user will have a positive experience with the product. Some products require more extensive testing than others. For example, the research, development, and testing stages are typically more extensive for a new sunscreen product than for a hand lotion.
Where Do I Fit In?
This is where you can get involved in the process and test skincare products. There’s no special training required to become a skincare product tester, just an interest in cosmetic products and a willingness to share your opinions. You will be paid to participate, but most product testing panelists say they’re glad they took part because they enjoyed meeting new people and having a unique experience.
Product testers also like the idea that their opinions can actually influence how a product is introduced. Your feedback may alert the product development team that the product needs more work, like a fragrance or color change. Your comments can also help the manufacturer offer consumers clear use instructions for the best results or decide what performance claims to make about the product.
By testing skincare products, you can play a big role in getting new products to market. This helps the manufacturer meet its goals and, more importantly, helps beauty product users know what to expect from the products they buy. Best of all, you get to be among the first to try new products!
If you are interested in skincare product trials, the first step is to check out upcoming studies and sign up to become a panelist! Some studies require panelists in a particular age range or skin type, so you may not qualify to participate in every study. Sign up anyway; professional testing facilities will keep your information on file and contact you when a study comes along that’s right for you.
