Unilever is seeking novel methods of measuring skin physiology parameters accurately and reproducibly.
Background
- The ability to accurately and reproducibly measure changes in physiological parameters of the skin is key to being able to demonstrate product benefits.
- Traditional measurement capabilities whilst robust and well-validated often do not allow for the discrimination of product effects.
- Non-invasive measurements allow greater chances of inclusion in a clinical setting
- Measurement of skin ageing and of disrupted epidermal skin health (e.g. dryness, sensitivity etc) are of particular interest.
Description
- The ability to make more detailed and discriminatory measurements – or more discriminatory analysis from existing measurements – would provide increased scope for testing in open settings
- The non-invasive collection and analysis of biomarkers would be considered
- Relevant measurements which can be related to parameters of skin physiology and product usage are sought.
Desired Outcome
- Provision of novel measurement capabilities which allow the demonstration of product efficacy and product discrimination.
- Improved analytical methods, that can demonstrate product benefit, using data generated with current instruments (Visia, primos, cutometer, TWEL etc..) deployed in skin clinical studies.
- Ideally non-invasive measurements
- Transferrable capabilities which could be implemented in clinical settings i.e. does not rely on panellists attending a dedicated facility
- Meaningful measurements/analysis which can be related to skin physiology and benefit areas.
What We Aren’t Interested In
- Invasive techniques
- Non-discriminating measurements
- Non-transferrable measurements which cannot be deployed at non-core facilities.
- Measurements we already use
- Measurements which cannot be related to skin physiology