'No tears' testing for cosmetic products

ABSTRACT

The safety of products that may come into contact with the human eye is critical for consumers. The OECD testing framework, such as OECD TG 492, has become a widely accepted standard. However, while it provides robust insights for certain categories, its limitations become evident when addressing diverse products like cosmetics. A more nuanced evaluation of irritation levels is needed, particularly in the mild to extra-mild range that OECD methods cannot adequately capture. To address this gap, we reviewed alternative testing methods. Established in vivo methods such as the eye installation test are not justifiable for ethical reasons, as damage to the eyes of the test subjects cannot be ruled out. Other in vitro methods fail to offer the quantitative evaluation necessary for products designed for sensitive areas like the eye or are not a good alternative to simulate the human cornea. In response, we established the Dermatest ‘No Tears’ testing method. This innovative approach is tailored to assess the irritation potential, providing reliable, quantitative safety evaluations for cosmetics. Our findings emphasize the importance of choosing appropriate testing methods for specific product properties and questions, ensuring both safety and ethical compliance. The ‘No Tears’ test represents a breakthrough in ocular safety testing, aligning with ethical standards, consumer trust, and the growing demand for cruelty-free testing approaches.

When developing products, toxicological testing is essential in order to protect the user from the possible harmful effects of the various ingredients. In the case of household products, cosmetics, body cleansing and personal care products, as well as chemicals, the skin or mucous membranes are usually the areas of the body most likely to come into contact with the products. A potential consequence of exposure and contact is irritation of the eyes and skin.