Bioscience · In-vitro efficacy
Show how your active works, before the clinical study.
CSL scientists run cell-based efficacy assays at the Guires R&D Innovation Centre to show how an ingredient or formula works on skin and hair cells, so you choose the right actives and design claims studies with confidence.
Guires Cosmetic Science Lab
In Vitro Efficacy Testing for Cosmetics from Guires CSL
At Guires Cosmetic Science Lab, CSL scientists run in vitro efficacy testing for cosmetics at the Guires R&D Innovation Centre: collagen, antioxidant, soothing, brightening, barrier, repair and hair-follicle assays on skin and hair cells, measured by plate reader, flow cytometry, microscopy and real-time PCR, so every claim starts with evidence.
Start your project with Guires CSLWhat's included
The work, in detail.
Anti-ageing
Collagen and elastin production by skin fibroblasts, and inhibition of the enzymes that break collagen down (MMPs).
Antioxidant and anti-pollution
Reduction of free radicals (ROS) in skin cells exposed to UV or pollution stress.
Soothing
Reduction of inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and IL-8 released by stressed skin cells.
Brightening and even tone
Melanin content in pigment cells and inhibition of tyrosinase, the key enzyme in pigment production.
Barrier
Expression of barrier genes such as filaggrin and ceramide synthesis genes, measured by real-time PCR.
Repair
Scratch (wound-closure) assays that show how quickly skin cells migrate and close a gap.
Hair and scalp
Growth of hair-follicle (dermal papilla) cells and scalp-relevant markers for hair-fall products.
Deliverables
What you receive.
How it runs
Step by step.
- BriefIngredient or formula, and the claim in mind
- Safe doseCytotoxicity check to set test concentrations
- AssayEfficacy assays with positive and negative controls
- AnalysisStatistics and imaging
- ReportResults and next-step recommendation
Results from the Guires R&D Innovation Centre support formulation decisions, ingredient selection and claims development. Where a market or retailer needs regulatory-grade data, such as GLP safety studies or accredited test reports, CSL arranges those studies as part of the project.
Questions
Asked before we start.
Can in-vitro results go on the pack?
They can support mechanism statements, for example “boosts collagen in laboratory tests”, where the market allows. Most consumer-facing claims also need a human study, which CSL also arranges.
Can you test a finished product as well as a raw material?
Yes, where the product can be dosed into cell culture. Some formats, such as oils or powders, need a suitable extraction or a skin-tissue model instead.
Do you test on animals?
No. All efficacy work uses cells and tissue models.
More from the lab
Related bioscience services.
Start a project
Create your next product with CSL.
Our formulation chemists, testing scientists and regulatory specialists work alongside your team, from the first brief to a market-ready product. Bring a brief, a benchmark or just an idea: a scientist will reply within one working day with next steps and an indicative scope.