In vitro testing: there are a range of activities of relevance to the cosmetics sector. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase. Shannon ABC routinely tests for these using biochemical tests (in a test tube). This provides a good screening platform to determine potential of cosmetic ingredients or final products. Additional in vitro testing that Shannon ABC provide is based on mammalian cell culture testing. Cell culture testing facilitates the growth of mammalian cells in the laboratory; Shannon ABC have expertise in the growth, maintenance and testing of human skin cells such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Once these cells have been grown in the laboratory, ingredients and final products can be applied to the cells to determine activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, collagen production, etc. While biochemical testing for various activities is useful as a screen, cell culture testing provides data that is more relevant for real biological systems.

In vivo testing: Shannon ABC have a volunteer panel of over 100 people, for efficacy testing of cosmetic products. This testing is fully approved by the IT Tralee Ethics Committee. The purpose of this testing is to objectively evaluate the impact of cosmetics on skin with regards to properties of skin such as elasticity, moisturisation, skin barrier efficacy and others. This will provide companies with the necessary data to validate their potential marketing claims. Through this process we may also uncover information which could be used to form new claims. The performance of sample products is tested using well established non-invasive skin testing (analyser) probes. The probes are safe, hygienic and cause no discomfort.