The rise of social media has empowered consumers in unprecedented ways. This is especially true when it comes to skincare and beauty products. Forums like CosDNA and Skincare Addiction feature thousands of daily posts by consumers who share tips or ask for advice. Postings on these forums often fiercely criticize the products which let them down, whilst enthusiasm for ‘favorite’ products can send them viral in an instant.
One of consumers’ biggest concerns is finding skincare products that won’t cause acne; in scientific terms, products that are “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic.” No consumer of skincare products wants to buy something that will make them break out, and the difficulty of finding non-comedogenic products has now become a trending topic.
Why Skincare Fans Have to Do Their Own Research
The problem isn’t a lack of information. Skincare obsessives are highly informed and pay close attention to scientific research. Websites of interest to them feature many lists of possibly comedogenic ingredients. The problem, as identified by one of the most famous scientific beauty influencers, is that those lists don’t reflect real-world use.
Many of these lists are based on research by the pioneering dermatologist Albert Kligman, but that research is decades old and was conducted by applying undiluted chemicals to the skin of animals. Testing on a rabbit’s ear just isn’t very relevant to human facial skin, and testing of single ingredients at high doses isn’t good at predicting their effects when combined with other ingredients and diluted.
Even when human testing data is available, it is almost always from follicular biopsy testing. This technique has the same drawbacks because it is conducted on individual compounds using methods that differ greatly from the conditions of actual product use.
When smart consumers can’t find reliable information, it’s not surprising that they take action on their own. Many will refuse to buy a product that contains something they’ve heard can cause breakouts—even if it’s present in trace amounts that probably will not cause harm. Others resort to patch testing— trying products on their arm or elsewhere before actual use. This kind of self-testing can identify allergic reactions, but many rely on it to identify comedogenicity even though it can’t provide useful results.
In an environment that’s full of confusion and bad information, how can manufacturers of beauty and skincare products earn the trust of their most devoted customers?
CPTSM can help.
The Gold Standard of Comedogenicity Trials
CPTSM tests comedogenicity claims employing in-use clinical trials. These trials differ from other forms of testing in several important ways:
- They are conducted on human volunteers, rather than animals. This provides more reliable data while satisfying consumers who object to animal testing.
- They are conducted using actual final products, not individual ingredients. You can’t tell how a meal will taste just by looking at its recipe, and the multiple ingredients included in consumer products can interact just as unpredictably. Testing the actual product generates more reliable results while eliminating the false positives obtained by testing undiluted ingredients.
- They are conducted using the product the same way consumers will. In-use clinical trials study the effects of products during long-term use according to their instructions for use. That’s the only way to reliably find out what effects consumers may experience.
How CPTSM Can Help You Cut Through the Confusion
CPTSM has a half-century of experience testing consumer products for safety and efficacy. That means we have the expertise to plan and carry out the right comedogenicity study for whatever product you are bringing to market.
Because our board-certified dermatologists understand the complicated process of acne formation, they screen subjects for factors that can interfere with testing results, including skin type, history of acne, and use of immunosuppressant, anti-inflammatory, and other drugs. All studies are accurately documented and reported thoroughly, and it goes without saying that we always adhere to the highest standards of quality.
There is an enormous demand for reliable information about comedogenicity, and far too few manufacturers who can provide it. A comedogenicity study conducted by CPTSM could be the factor that allows you to stand out in a crowded market and earn the trust of the enthusiasts who make their favorite products go viral. Guides for savvy consumers urge them to “seek out products that conduct independent third-party comedogenic testing by reputable labs.” Contact us today to find out how we can help you meet that need.
