Test Prep

Hair growth studies, children’s safety and “before and after” imaging are just a few services from testing providers that R&D teams are tapping for valuable research in their product development.

Happi checked in with leading testing service companies about how they can help marketers with safety and efficacy claims through new technologies and tools, sound advice and ethical practices. 

HAPPI: What are some requests your company has received regarding testing over the past year and how did you meet these customer needs? 

Craig Weiss/Consumer Product Testing: We recently added hybrid diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for ISO 23698 SPF testing based on client’s requests.  Also, with the changes made by USP we added a MS-MS (tandem mass spectrometry) for the testing of nitrosamines. 

Rich Ulmer/InVitro International: The application of safety testing in the children’s safety arena was new and stimulating for us this past year.

Rania Ibrahim/SkinScience Analytics: We receive a high volume of requests for HRIPT (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test) testing. We also receive several requests for hydration and skin barrier studies. Our location in Arizona, with its exceptionally dry climate, provides an ideal environment for this type of testing, and we have five dedicated, sequestered rooms specifically designed to support these studies. We offer shared panels that make this type of testing very cost effective for brands. 

Hair growth studies are another area of significant interest. Our dermatologist has extensive expertise in hair loss and its mitigation, allowing us to provide specialized clinical oversight in this area. Consumer perception studies are also frequently requested, largely due to our cost-effective approach and rapid turnaround times. We are able to deliver efficient, well-designed studies while maintaining the scientific rigor and quality our clients expect.

Jane Tervooren/Validated Claim Support: We have been overwhelmed with requests for the highest quality ‘before and after’ imaging available industry wide. We are uniquely positioned as the only CRO (contract research organization) that is approved by QVC and HSN as a clinical laboratory and marketing photography studio, and we are able to meet clients’ requests on a case by case basis.

HAPPI: What’s the one thing that you wish every customer understood about testing?

Rania Ibrahim: What I wish customers understood about testing is that the purpose of a clinical study is to find out whether a product actually delivers the claimed benefit—not to confirm something we already know. The outcome is not predetermined, and that is precisely what makes the testing meaningful. Sometimes a product performs exactly as expected, and sometimes the data may not support the claims a client hoped to make. 

While an unexpected result can certainly be disappointing, it is an inherent and important part of objective scientific testing. The value of testing is in providing credible, unbiased data that tells you what the product actually does.

Jane Tervooren: It takes some time to prepare a high-quality testing design, please give us ample lead time so that we can provide you with the highest quality experience.

Craig Weiss: The information necessary for us to assemble a testing program. 

Rich Ulmer: Search and find the fastest ethical testing lab versus the lowest cost or biggest “brand name” or advertiser; it’s out there!

HAPPI: What is your advice for new brand founders or owners as they embark on launching a product?

Jane Tervooren: Do your due diligence and deal with an ethical clinical testing lab, one which will be honest with you and has your best interests at heart and is not just trying to win your business. Whenever possible, visit the lab in person to check out where you are spending your money.

Craig Weiss: I would recommend that all new brands evaluate their product at reputable third party prior to launch and to understand that pricing should not be the only determining factor, as you get what you pay for. 

Rich Ulmer: Beat the launch date by saving time, months and money by safety testing your first-choice formulation early.  Stability and other data aren’t needed yet if a formulation is not foremost user friendly. 

Rania Ibrahim: Safety testing should never be viewed as optional—it is an essential investment in protecting your brand, minimizing liability, and, most importantly, ensuring the safety of your customers. If you plan to make product claims, make sure they are supported by credible, objective or subjective data; strong claims should be built on strong science.

HAPPI: Tell us about recent developments at your company.

Rich Ulmer: Recent developments have held back implementation of InVitro International’s new corporate strategy and direction, so 2027 could well be a breakout year. 

Rania Ibrahim: We recently expanded our capabilities to include neurofeedback testing, an innovative approach that allows brands to evaluate how products influence brainwave activity and identify associated emotional responses and product attributes. This emerging technology provides an additional layer of insight into the consumer experience beyond traditional clinical and perception measures. 

We have also recently launched antiperspirant and deodorant testing, incorporating trained expert odor judges to provide objective evaluations of odor-control performance. Looking ahead, we plan to launch our sunscreen testing capabilities by the end of 2026, further expanding our portfolio of efficacy testing services.

Jane Tervooren: We are focused on expanding our subject data base and targeting the most challenging conditions to recruit, like acne, psoriasis, eczema and hair loss.

Craig Weiss: In 2027, we will be making investments in adding to our in-vitro testing to add cosmetic efficacy testing. 

Looking for a testing partner? Click here for a directory of testing service providers.