Cosmetic application tests

For a cosmetic to reach the market and meet consumer expectations, it must undergo a comprehensive application studies. These are tests carried out on a group of volunteers to assess a product's actual performance, efficacy and comfort. Cosmetic application tests provide invaluable information on user experience, helping manufacturers to refine formulations and validate marketing promises.

What aspects do the application studies assess?

During cosmetics application tests various parameters are analysed that are relevant to the end user. These tests help to determine:

• the level of hydration and nourishment of the skin after application of the cosmetic,
• smoothing, regenerating or lifting effect,
• comfort of use - fast absorption, no sticky effect,
• skin reaction to prolonged use,
• Users' subjective impressions of consistency, smell and application.

Through consumer testing, manufacturers can make modifications to the formulation of cosmetics even before they are released, increasing their effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

Consumer testing - user opinion matters

Consumer tests is one of the most important elements of cosmetics application tests. Test participants are given a product to use for a set period of time and then share their opinion on its performance. In this way, manufacturers can better understand the needs of the market and adapt cosmetics to the actual expectations of users.

Consumer testing is particularly relevant for:

• cosmetics for sensitive and allergic skin,
• anti-aging products,
• hair preparations to improve their condition,
• colour cosmetics, where the evaluation of durability and pigmentation is crucial.

A comprehensive assessment of cosmetics cannot be based solely on consumer opinions. Application research should be preceded by physical and chemical testswhich checks the stability of the formulation, pH, density and other physico-chemical parameters of the product. Without this step, it is difficult to guarantee that the cosmetic will retain its properties throughout its lifetime.

Equally important are microbiological testswhich assess microbiological purity and the effectiveness of preservatives. Even the best cosmetics can lose their properties if their composition promotes the multiplication of microorganisms or fails the microbiological purity test.

When is it a good idea to carry out application studies?

Cosmetic application tests are a key pre-marketing step. They should be carried out in the following situations:

• once a new recipe has been developed to test its effect in practice,
• when reformulating existing products to compare them with an earlier version,
• during comparative studies with competing cosmetics,
• before marketing campaigns to confirm the effectiveness of the claimed effects.

Opt for reliable application studies

If you want to make sure that your cosmetics meet consumer expectations, use professional application studies. Contact our laboratory to find out how we can help analyse your products - check out the MPRlabs.com.