Efficacy testing is a set of procedures in product research and development that are conducted to test the product’s intended purpose in order to substantiate those important claims that appear on packaging or in advertisements. This is also a requirement in South Africa to substantiate the claims under R 1469, Regulations relating to the labelling, advertising and composition of Cosmetics, as per the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act No. 54 of 1972) as published in the Government Gazette on 22 December 2017.

Various types of approaches are possible, depending of the claim to be substantiated. These include the following:

• colour cosmetics testing,
• hydration testing,
• elasticity and firmness testing,
• odour and anti-perspirant testing,
• skin mattifying and oil control testing,
• skin pigmentation testing,
• skin redness,
• soothing and calming testing,
• stretchmarks and scars testing as well as
• wrinkle depth and skin roughness testing.

Various new and innovative claims may also be effectively substantiated.

We always advise customers to consult with us before the testing is conduct. This enables a clear  understanding of the protocol, testing methods and scientific approach in order to substantiate the desired claim. Over the many years we have found this approach to be most effective.

All of our efficacy testing are conducted in compliance to Good Clinical Practice as well as various international standards, such as Guidelines from Cosmetics Europe. Examples of these guidelines are: Guidelines for Cosmetic Product Claim Substantiation, Revising and Expanding the Colipa Guidelines on Efficacy (2001/rev. 2008), Cosmetics Europe, 22 May 2019, Guidelines for the Evaluation of the Efficacy of Cosmetic Products – COLIPA GUIDELINES (MAY 2008) as well as Guidelines for the Evaluation of Cosmetic Products – COLIPA GUIDELINES (Second Edition, 2001). Additional measurements are performed to EEMCO guidance for the assessment of stratum corneum hydration: electrical method., E. Berardesca (1997). Various approved protocols are also available on request.

Future Cosmetics mainly focus on instrumental objective evaluation as well as objective sensory evaluation by a trained panel or expert. A high level summary are as follows: