Researchers at the University of Cincinnati James L Winkle College of Pharmacy, have suggested an alternative method for testing cosmetic products using mathematics. The researchers believe the new method could provide an improved way of testing cosmetics without harming either humans or animals.
Gerald Kasting PhD, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the college, explained: “A lot of people have models, but we have predictive models. Instead of doing testing on 30,000 compounds, we are able to test a subset of say 200 and make predictions about the other 29,00 based on the subset.”
Kasting worked with Arne Naegel and Gabriel Wittum from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany on the research. The team says that mathematical modelling allows it to test compounds virtually in place of human or animal testing.
The group believe that the method could provide a solution for brands that sell both within the EU, where animal testing is banned, and in China, where it is required by law. Kasting says: “In order to produce globally, companies need to meet and adhere to the most stringent guidelines. Potentially troublesome ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives are widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry, so manufacturers are very interested in ways to improve testing.”
