Cosmetic Efficacy Testing and Studies
SHAPYPRO coordinates cosmetic efficacy testing to evaluate and demonstrate the performance of cosmetic and personal care products using methodologies adapted to the benefit being communicated.
Studies may combine instrumental measurements, expert assessment, image analysis and user perception to generate technical evidence for claim substantiation, product development and regulatory documentation.
- Instrumental evaluation
- In vivo studies
- Cosmetic claims
- Technical reports
Efficacy Studies and Claim Substantiation
Cosmetic efficacy testing determines whether a product delivers the benefit it claims or intends to communicate. The study design must start from the exact wording of the claim, the conditions of use, the target population and the effect to be measured.
A moisturising claim requires a different methodology from long-lasting wear, firming, sebum reduction or deodorant efficacy. The protocol, parameters, assessment times and statistical analysis must therefore be defined before the study begins.
Efficacy studies do not replace cosmetic safety assessment or tolerance testing. Each service has a different purpose and may form part of a broader product development and validation strategy.
Types of Cosmetic Efficacy Studies
The methodology is selected according to the product type, declared benefit and required level of evidence. SHAPYPRO coordinates individual studies or combined techniques where a claim requires a broader assessment.
Hydration and Barrier Function
Assessment of skin hydration and transepidermal water loss using instrumental techniques such as corneometry and TEWL measurement.
These studies may support immediate or long-lasting moisturising claims and claims related to improved barrier function.
Biomechanical Properties and Anti-Ageing Effects
Measurement of elasticity, firmness, softness, roughness or wrinkle appearance using instrumentation, imaging and expert assessment.
Sebum, Pigmentation and Skin Appearance
Studies focused on sebum control, mattifying effect, even skin tone, dark spot appearance, luminosity or other visible skin changes.
Hygiene and Deodorant Efficacy
Assessment of odour control, duration of effect, sweat reduction or perceived efficacy in hygiene and antiperspirant products.
Makeup Wear and Resistance
Studies on coverage, transfer, water resistance, wear time, finish, comfort and makeup performance under defined conditions of use.
Hair Care Efficacy
Assessment of shine, softness, strength, resistance, volume, ease of combing, repair or hair appearance through instrumental, visual and user-based methods.
Claims Assessed
The evidence must match the exact claim wording. Study results should not be extrapolated to benefits, populations, conditions of use or periods that were not assessed.
Moisturising and Barrier Effect
Claims relating to increased or maintained skin hydration and support for the skin barrier.
Firming and Anti-Ageing
Claims associated with firmness, elasticity, softness, wrinkle appearance or visible improvement in skin condition.
Soothing and Skin Comfort
Claims relating to reduced tightness, discomfort, perceived redness or improved comfort.
Sebum Control and Mattifying Effect
Claims relating to shine reduction, sebum control and improved appearance of oily skin.
Long-Lasting and Water-Resistant
Claims commonly used for makeup, sunscreen products and formulations assessed under specific use conditions.
Deodorant or Antiperspirant
Claims relating to odour control, sweat reduction and duration of effect.
Hair Care
Claims relating to shine, strength, volume, softness, repair, protection or ease of combing.
Methodology and Process
Each study is planned using the available information on the product, intended claim, conditions of use and evidence required. The methodology may include one or more complementary techniques.
Instrumental Measurement
Quantitative measurement of hydration, TEWL, sebum, elasticity, colour, gloss, texture, topography or other parameters related to the claim.
Clinical or Expert Assessment
Structured assessment of visible changes or predefined parameters by qualified professionals using established scales.
Image Analysis
Standardised photography and imaging systems used to document changes in wrinkles, dark spots, texture, volume, coverage or general appearance.
User Panel
Collection of information on perception, satisfaction, ease of use, comfort and perceived efficacy using questionnaires designed for the study objective.
In Vivo Studies
Product assessment in selected participants under a defined protocol, inclusion and exclusion criteria and controlled conditions of use.
Study Development
The process is designed to maintain traceability and ensure that conclusions answer the initial project objective.
Technical Review of Product and Claim
Review of the formulation, intended use, target population, proposed wording and available documentation.
Protocol Design
Definition of methodology, parameters, controls, population, duration, assessment times and interpretation criteria.
Execution and Monitoring
Performance of the study in accordance with the protocol, including recording of data, deviations and relevant conditions.
Statistical Analysis
Processing of results using methods appropriate to the study design, variable type and planned comparisons.
Technical Interpretation
Assessment of whether the results support the claim within the conditions, population and scope evaluated.
Results, Report and Compliance
The technical report may include product identification, study objective and design, methodology, sample or panel characteristics, statistical analysis, results, deviations, conclusions and applicable limitations.
Cosmetic claims must be truthful, understandable and supported by adequate evidence. Study planning should be consistent with Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and the common criteria established by Commission Regulation (EU) No 655/2013.
A favourable result supports the benefit under the assessed conditions, but it does not justify extending the claim beyond the product, population, method of use or period studied.
Claim Substantiation
Technical evidence used to review and support product claims before commercial communication.
Development and Reformulation
Comparison of prototypes, formulation adjustments and assessment of improvements during development.
Technical Documentation
Structured information for product files, regulatory reviews, audits and coordination between technical and marketing teams.
Responsible Communication
An objective basis for communicating product benefits in a proportionate way that is consistent with the results obtained.
Efficacy Testing Adapted to Each Claim
Every product and claim requires a specific assessment strategy. SHAPYPRO coordinates the most appropriate study according to the formulation, intended benefit, target population and required level of evidence.
The objective is to obtain reliable results, clear documentation and useful conclusions for product development and responsible communication of its benefits.
