The Dermatest Seal: A Simple Explanation
The Dermatest seal is an award for products that have been independently tested and come into contact with the skin. When a product bears the seal, it has successfully passed a defined dermatological test with us. For you as a buyer, this means: The product was evaluated for skin compatibility under specified conditions and the result is made visible via the seal. The seal does not replace medical advice, but helps you with an informed purchasing decision.
- You receive a reliable and independent test.
- You can orient yourself by a clear quality mark, directly on the product.
- You recognize the documented test period on the seal.
We use various test procedures to check skin compatibility and, depending on the product, other properties as well. Our scientists select the appropriate methods and coordinate the study design with the product. This creates meaningful results, on the basis of which a seal can be awarded.
Why there are different seals
Not every product needs the same test. That is why there are different seals. They show you at a glance how extensive the testing was.
Depending on the application, the seal is available in German or English, and sometimes in other languages. Additionally, we offer horizontal and vertical versions.
The Dermatest® Seal of Approval
Products with the Guarantee seal have proven their safety in time- and site-limited patch tests. The respective testing period is noted on the seal.
The Dermatest® 5-Star Seal
The 5-star seal stands for long-term application tests with high significance. These tests run for at least four weeks and offer the greatest possible safety to largely exclude later skin reactions. Products can thus also be labeled as clinically tested.
Skin compatibility – what exactly does that mean?
Skin compatible means: Under the defined test conditions, the test subjects show no or no relevant irritative reaction to the tested product. This is an important guide, especially if you want to be on the safe side.
Important to know!
Even well-tolerated products may not be suitable in individual cases. For example, because skin reacts very individually or because someone reacts sensitively to individual ingredients. This also applies to natural ingredients. If you have very sensitive skin or known allergies, test new products on a small area first and stop the application in case of discomfort.
Our mission: Protection for your skin
Our goal
Our goal is to protect your skin.
Beautiful and healthy skin needs care, but cosmetic products in particular should be tested for compatibility and effectiveness by an independent body. We exist so that you do not have to trust advertising blindly. We make the use of cosmetic products safer by having our experts conduct extensive tests on compatibility and effectiveness. And we give you a guarantee for this: our Dermatest® seal.
Our research
Science never stands still.
In the field of skin, there are also constantly new findings and possibilities. We therefore actively further develop our methods and conduct research in collaboration with research institutes such as the Fraunhofer Society. The exchange with international experts from fields such as medicine, food chemistry, and biology ensures that our work is up to date. This gives both us and you transparent safety.
Active individuality
Every product is different, and we investigate them all individually.
The ingredients of cosmetic products are their effects are becoming ever more complex. Which is why our validated test procedures are adapted individually by our scientists to suit the products being tested. Which is how we guarantee specific analysis as well as meaningful and reliable results.
Validated quality
We stand behind products with the Dermatest® seal.
We only award our seal to products that we have tested and evaluate as safe. You can trust our judgment, because our demands on our own work are significantly higher than the legally prescribed requirements. We have even had this certified several times by TÜV Rheinland.
A selection of tested products
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The seal stands for an independent test by our institute. We test products according to dermatologically recognized standards.
All products that can come into contact with our skin in any way, such as body creams, nail polish removers, face masks, body powders, soaps, shower gels, disinfectants, detergents, sunscreens, plasters, make-up removers, foot creams, baby lotions, diapers, cleaning agents, and many more, are tested by us.
We test the products for skin compatibility and/or for their effectiveness.
“Dermatologically tested” means: The product was examined in a dermatological test on the skin of test subjects and evaluated by experts. This checks whether skin reactions occur under the specified test conditions. Important: The term alone does not automatically say how strictly or how long it was tested. Decisive factors are the test setup, duration, and the documented results.
Yes. Depending on the study, we conduct the testing ourselves in our subject centers, for example as a patch test or as an application test.
No. Skin is individual. The seal shows compatibility under test conditions, but does not replace personal assessment in the case of allergies or pre-existing conditions. Natural ingredients can also trigger allergies.
Skin measurements are scientific procedures with which we precisely examine the condition of the skin without stressing it. Special devices are used, which, for example, measure skin moisture, record the depth of wrinkles, or assess skin elasticity. Such measurements help us to evaluate the effect of a product objectively and gently on the skin.
We test in Münster, Germany, because direct contact is important to us. This ensures that processes remain transparent, questions can be clarified quickly, and we are close to the people who participate in our studies. This ensures clear processes and reliable results.
For our test program at Dermatest®, we are looking for test subjects of all ages and skin types – including you! Many of our test subjects have been with us for years and regularly participate in studies.
Our experts select the appropriate participants for each study. The little ones are also particularly important to us, as we naturally test baby care products and diapers. Since babies quickly grow out of this phase, we are constantly in need of new participants here.
Please note: Our studies take place in Münster (Westphalia) and the surrounding area – longer travel distances are unfortunately not possible.
No. For many skin products, a dermatological test is not legally required. However, manufacturers must ensure that their product is safe when used correctly and meets legal requirements. A dermatological test is therefore primarily a voluntary, additional proof that can give you as a buyer more orientation regarding skin compatibility.
Not yet a dermatester?
Get started now in Münster and the surrounding area!
Would you like to become a test subject at Dermatest? Then get in touch with us directly here.
If you have questions about our tests or products, please always provide your contact details – even if you are already registered as a test subject. To ensure we can forward your inquiry quickly to the right department and reach you if we have any follow-up questions, it helps us a lot if you provide your place of residence and your telephone number.
Thank you very much! Your Dermatest Team.
