The Dermocosmetic Assessment Service (DC) was established in 2002. This service is divided into three groups: the Percutaneous Absorption group, the Cutaneous Efficacy group, and the Hair Efficacy group.
The Percutaneous Absorption group specializes in determining the absorption profile through the skin of any compound applied topically. For this purpose, an in vitro experimental methodology adopted by the OECD is primarily used.
The Cutaneous Efficacy group specializes in evaluating the efficacy of formulations applied to the skin and nails. The methodologies used are preferably based on the use of biophysical techniques published in internationally recognized scientific journals.
The Hair Efficacy group works on the in vitro evaluation of the efficacy of cosmetic products applied to human hair.
These groups develop their activity focused on the needs of the industrial sector (pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, and textile) and also conduct studies centered on their own research and that of other groups requiring their scientific specialization support.
The DC Service stands out for the quality conferred by belonging to an IQAC-CSIC research group, and in addition to the service, it offers:
The IQAC-CSIC Dermocosmetic Assessment Service has had, since May 2012, a Quality Management System in accordance with the UNE-EN ISO 9001:2008 standard certified by AENOR with reference ER-0430/2012.
In addition, percutaneous absorption studies have Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification.
The Dermocosmetic Assessment Service (DC) offers penetration assays of topical products in the skin, with GLP certification using vertical diffusion cells (Franz cell assay). These assays are aimed at developers and manufacturers of topical and generic products who need characterization of dermal formulations, cosmetic safety, or biobased products for topical generics through in vitro bioequivalence studies. Our main skin penetration assays, offered since 1998, are developed in accordance with OECD, FDA, and EMA guidelines on quality and equivalence of topical products.
They are mainly divided into two sections: In Vitro Release Test (IVRT) and In Vitro Permeation Test (IVPT).
In Vitro Release Test (IVRT)
This IVRT test determines the fluxes and released amounts of drugs contained in transdermal topical products using artificial membranes in different topical applications:
In Vitro Permeation Test (IVPT)
This type of IVPT test allows determination of transdermal permeation amounts, diffusion fluxes, and distribution in the different layers of skin and other tissues (human and porcine ex vivo skin, buccal mucosa, nail plate) of active substances present in different topical applications (OECD 428, SCCS 2010):
The service is focused on those laboratories or companies that need in-depth knowledge of skin and hair substrates and that develop active ingredients, formulations, and finished products on them, mainly in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, chemical, and textile industrial sectors.
Certified according to UNE-EN ISO 9001:2008 Standard by AENOR since 2012 with reference ER-0430/2012 and by Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) for dermal penetration assays by GENCAT 2022 and ENAC 2023
Cutaneous Efficacy Test
In vivo cutaneous efficacy
Studies are carried out with white (Caucasian) panelists with skin phototype III-IV under dermatological control, in a room conditioned at 22°C and 50% RH. Some of these protocols can also be carried out to evaluate nail efficacy.
In vitro cutaneous efficacy
Hair Efficacy Test
