Clinical testing of skin firming products to measure changes in skin elasticity and extensibility before and after treatment using validated instrumental methods.
Skin Firming Product Testing
What You Can Expect
Skin firming product testing evaluates the ability of cosmetic and personal care formulations to improve the appearance of skin firmness, elasticity, and skin tone over time.
These studies are typically conducted over an 8-week period using a panel of approximately 30 subjects, often selected to include individuals with visible signs of reduced skin firmness or elasticity. Assessments are performed at baseline (week 0) and at study completion (week 8), with additional timepoints included where required.
Testing focuses on changes in skin viscoelastic properties, combining instrumental measurement with clinical evaluation to provide both objective and visual evidence of product performance.
All studies are conducted on cosmetic, toiletry, or personal care products only, and are not intended to assess medical or therapeutic outcomes.
Cutometer Assessment
Skin elasticity and firmness are assessed using the industry-standard Cutometer® system, which measures skin viscoelastic properties through controlled suction.
A probe is placed on the skin surface, where a defined vacuum is applied and released. This causes the skin to be gently drawn into the probe and then allowed to recover. The system records both deformation and return, generating a detailed curve representing skin mechanical behaviour over time.
Key outputs include the rate of skin deformation and recovery, which are used to assess skin elasticity, extensibility, and firmness response.
Dermal Torque Meter (DTM)
Where required, the Dermal Torque Meter may be used as an alternative or supplementary instrument.
This device applies a controlled rotational force to the skin via an inner and outer chamber system. The inner chamber applies torque, and the skin’s resistance and recovery are measured to assess mechanical properties related to firmness and elasticity.
The DTM provides an additional method of evaluating skin biomechanical response under controlled stress conditions.
Claims Substantiated
Data from skin firming studies can be used to support claims such as:
- Firms the skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Enhances skin tightness appearance
- Supports skin lifting or toning claims
- Improves overall skin firmness over time