Patch test

My name is Imke Göllner and I am the head of the epicutaneous testing section at Dermatest GmbH. The so-called “patch tests” for testing skin tolerability are very informative as a basis for many examinations and offer the following advantages:

information about the compatibility and irritation potential of a wide range of products and materials such as cosmetics, cleaning products, hygiene articles and consumer goods which come into contact with the skin in everyday use
rapid results (for standard tests usually within 2-3 weeks)
products can be labelled “dermatologically tested” following successful testing
our Dermatest® guarantee seal may be used after passing the test
versatile possibilities due to variation of the test design and selection of specific skin types

Patch testing under dermatological control

FAQ

Test methods

Epicutaneous patch testing under dermatological control

The safety and skin tolerability of products with regular or frequent skin contact is important for all of us. Besides cosmetics and skincare products, this also includes cleaning agents, hygiene items, protective clothing, disinfectants, and much more. Our patch tests are carried out on volunteer test subjects and, of course, are performed under dermatological control. From an ethical and scientific point of view, testing products on humans under medical supervision is indispensable and reasonable, as the “skin system” can only be simulated to a limited extent using cell culture or skin models. The epicutaneous patch test is the simplest, fastest and most convenient method to analyze the irritation potential of products. Further questions such as testing the sensitization potential or the efficacy of products can be investigated using our application studies or in vitro tests. Our patch tests are performed according to internationally recognized guidelines:

at least 30 subjects are recruited for each test
both male and female test subjects are included regardless of the product’s eventual target group
all subjects are 18 years or older
by selecting certain skin types, such as sensitive or atopic skin, tolerability can be tested for specific products and skin types
specific pre-treatments of the skin can imitate damaged or stressed skin
the single contact during a test is more intensified in comparison to the prospective application in order to achieve a meaningful result

Test variations

Standard patch test

Open epicutaneous test

Testing on stressed skin/strip patch test

Testing on damaged skin/scarified patch test

Photo-patch test

If you think patch testing is an option for your product:

Contact us by phone, email (patchtest@dermatest.com) or via the contact form and we will be happy to advise you individually.
Give us the opportunity to get to know you and your product.

What we need from you in order to perform the test:

1. Sufficient sample materials

at least 50 ml or 50 g in two – preferably three unbreakable, reclosable and leakproof containers (risk analysis, actual test, retained sample)
approx. 30 cm x 30 cm solid material or perhaps 5-6 diapers or panty liners

2. Product composition information

for cosmetics: qualitative INCI list of ingredients (for sheet masks and wet wipes additional information on the carrier material)
for consumer goods: materials list
for biocides: quantitative list of ingredients (with CAS numbers as applicable) and information on the product type (e.g. hand or surface disinfection)
for detergents/cleaning products/aerosols: latest safety data sheet and qualitative list of ingredients (with CAS numbers as applicable)
for disinfectants and for hand care gels with disinfectant properties: quantitative list of ingredients / INCI

3. Information on the type of product and, if applicable, precise instructions for use (especially for e.g. skin peelings, face cleansing products, face masks, household washing and cleaning products)

4. Order confirmation

Once the products have been received, we will send you an order record which includes all the information relevant to the study
You should check this thoroughly, then sign and send it back to us. It serves as an order confirmation for us and later changes may lead to additional costs
Based on this product information, we perform a risk assessment prior to testing with reference to a patch test of products on human subjects.

Ask us now about patch test studies

We will get back to you promptly

FAQ

How fast can Dermatest perform the testing?

Standard patch tests on all/diverse skin types are performed every week. If we receive all the documents required for the test and the product itself no later than Thursday noon, the product will be included in the testing for the following week once our in-house risk assessment has been approved. We are also happy to review the INCI list before the product is received. Testing on sensitive skin is carried out every 2 weeks.

How long does a patchtest at Dermatest need and when do I get the results?

A standard epicutaneous test takes four days to complete. You will receive the results and reports for all epicutaneous patch tests in the week following the test at the latest.

Can I transfer a report to another company or to alternative or additional product names?

As the original client, you are more than welcome to request an assessment report be reissued with respect to the product name or company. It is important that an appropriate report is available for any new or alternative product name or distributor. Please get in touch directly by email or phone.