By Mieke Meintjes
L’Oréal scientists have developed a faster, more reliable method for identifying cosmetic ingredients that may cause allergic reactions, without animal testing. The creation of the new probe molecule comes amid evolving cosmetics regulations that increasingly ban the use of animals in testing. Amid the regulatory shifts, companies are looking for faster and clearer lab assays to efficiently screen cosmetic raw ingredients.
According to the scientists, existing non-animal tests for skin sensitization require long incubation times and struggle to distinguish between direct and indirect sensitizers. Direct sensitizers, or electrophiles, react with the skin immediately, whereas indirect sensitizers, or pro-electrophiles, only become reactive after oxidation.
