Efficacy testing: brightening, pigmentation evaluation, skin lightening, skin whitening, dark spot decrease

Skin pigmentation

Skin pigmentation is caused by a natural pigment called melanin. Melanin is produced and distributed by melanocytes; a minor population of specialized skin cells found in the basal layer of the epidermis. The melanin is distributed to keratinocytes, which proliferate and move toward the skin surface, giving the skin its characteristic color. Melanin can also be found in hair follicles and is responsible for hair color.

Skin pigmentation involves the following steps: melanocyte activation (when exposed to sunlight), melanogenesis (conversion of tyrosine into melanin), melanosome transfer (from melanocytes to keratinocytes), distribution and color and protection from UV radiation (melanin absorbs and scatters UV radiation).

Melanin is essential for UV protection of the skin. Sun exposure (UV light) triggers the production of melanin and is the main cause of uneven skin pigmentation, often referred to as hyperpigmentation.

Sings of hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a result of altered melanin production, which causes uneven skin pigmentation. It can result as dark spots or patches on the skin.

Some other signs are uneven skin tone, freckles, melasma, sunspots or age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation…

Hyperpigmentation can have a significant impact on a person's self esteem and confidence.

Claims related to pigmentation

Brightening

Skin lightening

Skin whitening

Dark spot decrease

Cosmetics testing
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Measurement principles and instruments

To prove brightening, pigmentation evaluation, skin lightening, skin whitening and dark spot decrease claims we measure the following parameters using the following instruments:

Evaluation of melanin content

  • Mexameter® MX 18 probe (CK Electronics)

  • Dermalab (Cortex Technologies)

  • Callegari SoftPlus (Callegari)

Before / After face imaging

  • Eve M camera skin analysis

See our results

Microcamera SoftPlus - Callegari

Cosmetics testing

Example of hyperpigmentation

Cosmetics testing

Graph visualisation

EVE M camera

Cosmetics testing

Example of pigmentation spots

Efficacy testing protocol is prepared for each product individually with close cooperation with the sponsor. Based on the claims, usage regime and efficacy expectations, we prepare a protocol that is suitable for the type of product and can confirm product efficacy. The studies can be performed over a different time period (from a few days to several weeks or months) depending on the claim and type of measurement.

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