Analytical, Physicochemical and Biological Testing for Cosmetic Products
A comprehensive range of physicochemical and biological tests for cosmetic products, assessing multiple properties relevant to this type of product. These tests include compositional analysis (including additives and preservatives), quantification of compounds such as polyphenols and other active ingredients, in vitro antioxidant activity assays, and cell-based assays to assess properties such as UVA and UVB photoprotection, wound healing, melanogenesis and toxicity.
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
Regulations governing cosmetic products require a range of analytical information to be obtained about these products. Furthermore, a more thorough understanding of their properties provides greater assurance of their safety, a matter of considerable interest to consumers and all companies involved in marketing cosmetic products.
At IDiBE, we have developed a range of analytical tests designed to assess the main properties of interest, both in terms of physical and chemical characteristics and interactions with biological systems in vitro. These tests provide companies developing cosmetic products with the information needed to support product safety and characterisation.
The tests currently available are as follows:
- Compound quantification:
- Total polyphenol content.
- Total flavonoid content.
- Total tannin content.
- In vitro antioxidant activity:
- TEAC assay.
- FRAP assay.
- ORAC assay.
- TBARS assay.
- General formulation tests:
- Emulsion stability.
- Foaming properties.
- Surface tension.
- Cell-based assays:
- Antioxidant capacity.
- Melanogenesis.
- UVA and UVB photoprotection.
- Wound healing.
- Anti-inflammatory activity.
- Toxicity in skin cells.
- Peripheral nervous system sensitisation (assessment of irritation potential).
- Analytical tests:
- Identification and quantification of active ingredients and additives by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Identification and quantification of preservatives by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Assessment of percutaneous absorption.
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
This technology is relevant to companies in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors, as the properties assessed are of interest for any product intended to come into contact with human skin.
ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS
IDiBE has designed this comprehensive range of tests to cover the main aspects that cosmetic companies need to assess during product development. One key advantage is the flexibility to commission the full range of tests or select only those that a company cannot perform in-house or for which it requires more robust data. IDiBE also has the expertise and experience to develop bespoke tests tailored to its clients’ needs.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
This technology is already implemented and in production at IDiBE. Interested companies can therefore commission the tests, either as a complete package or individually, according to their specific needs.
APPLICATION SECTORS
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry.
- Pharmaceutical and Dermopharmaceutical Sectors.
- Manufacturers of Active Ingredients and Raw Materials for Cosmetics.
- Skin-Focused Biotechnology Laboratories and Start-ups.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Enrique Barrajón Catalán – Elche Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology