Certain cosmetic ingredients or formulations – such as soaps – can only cause irritation after repeated use. This can lead to irritant contact dermatitis, i.e. skin irritation, in consumers. The main cause of such irritation is damage to the skin barrier, which often manifests itself in visible redness (erythema).
In this study design, we apply a product to be tested to the back using patches over a period of several days. After removing the patches, a clinical assessment of the skin reactions is carried out daily. An irritation index is calculated from these observations.
The aim is to determine the irritation potential of a product or substance through clinical evaluation. An increase in the number and intensity of skin redness – especially during the first few applications – indicates a higher risk of skin irritation such as redness, itching, or burning.
