Efficacy

SPF Testing

  • We perform SPF testing according to:-

    • International SPF test method (2006).
    • FDA test method.
    • Australian/NZ test method.

    We also perform water resistancy SPF studies.

    SPF and UVA Protection

    We perform static and very water resistant SPF testing according to FDA, International/Colipa, Australia/New Zealand and JCIA methods. In addition, we provide evaluations of UVA protection using persistent pigment darkening, erythema, critical wavelength, the Boots Star Method, the Australia/New Zealand method and the UVA Index.

    Instrumentation for SPF testing and evaluations of UVA protection includes 2 Solar Light Company multi-port solar simulators, 8 single port solar simulators, a SPEX SKINSKAN spectrofluorometer, LabSphere and Helias spectrophotometers and an Optronic Laboratories OL754 spectroradiometer system with a NIST traceable calibration system.

    Fitzpatrick Skin Evaluation




    Andrew King, SPF expert, seen here using the SPF instrument on a volunteer to assess the SPF value of 3 new sun tan lotions.

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Moisturisation Testing

  • Typical studies are performed using the Corneometer or Dermal Phase Meter. We can test up to 6 leave-on or rinse-off formulations per study.

    Claims are supported such as:-

    • Moisturises for up to x hours
    • 24 hour moisturisation

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Anti–Wrinkle

  • This is typically an 8 week study with assessments at weeks 0 and 8. Replicas of the wrinkles are prepared which undergo laser profilometry testing.

    Claims are supported such as:-

    • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by x%
    • Smoothes
    • Contours

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Skin Elasticity

  • Our skin elasticity studies test the potential of a formulation to improve the elasticity or firmness of the skin. We use the Cutometer.

    Claims are supported such as:-

    • Improves firmness by x%
    • Improves skin elasticity by x%

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Anti-dandruff Testing

  • We perform both half-head and whole-head anti-dandruff studies. Our assessors have been assessing dandruff for over 20 years.

    Derma Sciences Ltd has a full service salon that can be used for up to 500 subjects per week for dandruff grading. The salon is company owned so we can work well into the evening to fit study days around the availability of the subjects which helps with recruitment.

    The salon has 8 stations and wash basins, with all the salon equipment you would expect in a high street salon.

    All staff are fully trained in Dandruff grading, Psoriasis and Seb Derm grading.

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Nappy/Diaper Studies

  • We test nappies/diapers for functionality, ability to hold urine and comfort.

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Hair/Nail Strength

  • We test the efficacy of nail lacquers and hair treatments for their potential to improve the strength of nails and hair.

    Derma Sciences Ltd has a full service hair salon as part of the Essex Research site, employing 6 full time NVQ qualified hair stylists.

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Depilatory Studies

  • We assess hair removal by chemical, wax epilation, shaving and laser.

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Anti-bacterial

  • In order to ascertain the cutaneous antibacterial efficacy of a product we typically use the Glove Test Method in healthy volunteers. Using this method we can test up to five test articles and one control.

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Topical Anaesthetics

  • We perform tests to establish the time to onset and duration of activity of topical anaesthetics.

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Deodorancy/Anti-perspirant Testing

  • We have assessors who have been performing deodorancy studies for over 20 years. We assess using both the hedonic and intensity scales.

    We assess:-

    • Axillae
    • Feet
    • Breath
    • Vests/shirts/socks.

    Temperature and humidity controlled rooms are used for running Antiperspirant Effectiveness and Odour evaluation studies according to published monographs and client requirements. Our staff can also assist in developing a custom protocol to meet any special requirements you may have for your study. Our staff have over twenty years in running antiperspirant studies and over 15 years running deodorant studies making them the longest running and most experienced team of AP / Deo technicians in the UK.

    We routinely perform deo studies and our assessors have 10 plus years experience of foot odour and under arm odour assessments.

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TEWL Testing

  • Typical studies are performed using the Tewameter or Servomed Evaporimeter. These studies are designed for emollient formulations.

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Skin Lightening

  • Our skin lightening/fairness studies can be performed on a range of skin types such as:-

    • Indian sub-continent
    • Asian (Chinese)
    • Asian (Japanese)

    We assess both visually and instrumentally using the Chromameter or Mexameter.

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Substantivity

  • Our substantivity study measures the potential of a formulation to remain on the skin surface and therefore improve skin barrier functionality.

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Atopic Skin Studies

  • Atopic skins are the ultra sensitive skins that react to even the mildest of formulations. We have a good panel of clinically diagnosed atopics for this type of testing.

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Femine Hygiene Studies

  • We assess towels, tampons and liners for their efficacy and acceptability.

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Anti-inflammatory Studies

  • We can assess a formulation’s ability to reduce inflammation induced by chemical, mechanical or UV assault.

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Anti-cellulite/slimming

  • Slimming studies

    • Lipid reduction
    • Ultra-sound
    • Circumference reduction
    • Arms
    • Thighs
    • Tummy
    • Weight reduction
    • BMI

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Lesion count studies

  • Derma Sciences Ltd have a good database of subjects with skin lesions as can be seen from the images. Our trained assessors have many years experience in assessing both non-inflamed (e.g. microcysts, comedones) and inflamed lesions (e.g. papules, pustules).

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