Labels featuring claims like dermatologically tested or hypoallergenic instil a certain level of confidence that a product won’t harm or irritate our skin. If you have sensitive skin, or have had a skin reaction to cosmetics in the past, you might be particularly aware ttuned ofto these sorts of terms, but what do they mean?
In Australia, cosmetic ingredients are regulated by the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS), part of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. However, this shouldn’t be taken to mean that all cosmetic ingredients are completely harmless. There are many ingredients that can potentially cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. To help ensure a product is suitable for sensitive skin, that product should be tested in its final form.
Dermatological testing assesses a product’s potential to cause irritation and sensitisation (allergic reactions) on the skin. The test involved is called Repeat Insult Patch Testing (RIPT). This is conducted on a large group of study participants (100 being the most typical number) and involves applying the product to the skin and covering it with a semi-occlusive patch (a patch that is open on two sides, allowing some air to flow) for a period of 24 hours. The skin is then assessed. This process is conducted multiple times over a three week period. This is what we refer to as “dermatologically tested”, which is why our QV products undergo this process to ensure they are gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
