Anti-ageing

Numerous factors and mechanisms contribute to skin aging. In the ongoing pursuit of effective anti-aging products to decelerate this process and stimulate regeneration, we provide tests to assess the anti-ageing efficacy. Cosmetic ingredients or their combinations are tested in skin cell cultures to evaluate their effects on cell proliferation functionality and cytoprotective activities.

• Skin cell proliferation
  Evaluation of test samples effects on proliferation of skin keratinocytes and/or dermal cells.

• Collagen I and MMP-1 production
  Quantification of pre-collagen I and collagen degrading enzyme MMP-1 in dermal cells treated with test samples.

• Antioxidative activity
  Quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells after UV-irradiation or chemically-induced oxidative stress. Assessment of test compounds efficacy in reducing accumulation of ROS.
  

Anti-inflammatory activity

Inflammation is implicated in diverse skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, wound healing, and skin aging. In each scenario, changed levels of mediators, specifically cytokines, are characteristic and play a pivotal role in the inflammatory process. By assessing the impact of test samples on cytokine production in in vitro inflammatory models, it becomes possible to evaluate their efficacy and elucidate their mechanism of action.

Anti-inflammatory activities are tested either in keratinocytes or immune cells. Secretion of inflammatory (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a) and anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-10) is quantified to access the effects of tested cosmetic ingredients. Additionally interleukins specific to psoriasis and eczema can be quantified in specific disease models.

Skin lightening / pigmentation regulating activity

 Melanocytes are pivotal in skin pigmentation, as their ability to produce melanin is crucial for shielding the skin from UV-induced damage. Nevertheless, excess melanin production can result in hyperpigmentation, leading to an increased and uneven skin tone. This condition is triggered by factors such as excessive sun exposure, inflammation, aging, and hormonal changes. To address pigmentation disorders and promote an even skin tone, ingredients regulating pigmentation specific ingredients are developed. Specific tests are used to facilitate new product development and substantiation of efficacy.

• Tyrosinase inhibition

In a biocehmical assay test samples are evaluated for their efficacy in inhibiting key enzyme involved in melanin biosynthesis. 

• Melanin content

Changes in melanin content are analysed in melanocyte cell cultures after incubation of test samples.

Anti-microbial acitivity

Antimicrobial ingredients are incorporated into targeted cosmetic and hygiene products, such as anti-acne formulas and oral care products, requiring substantiated antimicrobial efficacy.

• Anti-acne activity: assessing effectiveness against bacteria responsible for causing acne.

• Antimicrobial activity for oral care ingredients: evaluating efficacy against bacteria associated with dental caries.
  

Customized sets of tests

If you have a product development product that requires testing of different bioactivities, contact us to discuss additional testing options beyond abovementioned assays.