Surface irregularities: evaluation and objectification with the C-Cube

Source

Pixience

Date

29 January 2026

Topic

Clinical studies, Data analysis, in-silico, AI, Instrumentation & lab equipment

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Analyzing skin texture accurately: a key issue for dermocosmetic claims

The evolution of dermocosmetic skincare requires an ever more detailed evaluation of its effects, particularly on the texture of the skin.

Roughness, micro-relief, superficial irregularities: these parameters, which are difficult to see with the naked eye, are nevertheless essential in the perception of healthy, smooth and even skin. They are one of the clinical signs to be objectified in studies on anti-acne, anti-aging or resurfacing formulas.

To measure subtle changes, you need a tool of high accuracy.

The C-Cube Clinical Research stands out in these applications.

Femme posant avec réflecteur lumineux cosmétique.

Microrelief, roughness, texture: an essential level of detail

Unlike conventional cameras or uncalibrated imagers, the C-Cube is based on high-resolution optics, patented homogeneous LED illumination and metric and colorimetric calibration. These elements ensure standardized capture, allowing the detection of minimal surface variations where other approaches reach their limits.

Thanks to 3D reconstruction by stereophotometry, the system generates a fine map of the skin relief and extracts parameters from the ISO 25178 standard, such as:

Sa : arithmetic mean roughness
SDR: developed surface area rate
Sq: mean square deviation of altitudes

These indicators provide an accurate reading of the effects of a treatment on skin texture, especially in critical areas such as the cheeks, chin or forehead.

In addition to numerical values, the generated 3D maps can be exported in high definition to visually illustrate the measured effects, a real asset for claim dossiers or commercial presentations.

Appareil photo calibré, design moderne vert et blanc.

Carte topographique colorée avec zone encadrée

C-Cube and elevation map of an acne lesion

Unmatched ease of use for multi-zone testing

Where some devices impose significant constraints (need for a dark space, complex repositioning of the subject or limitation to fixed areas such as the face), the C-Cube Clinical Research stands out for its great flexibility of use. Lightweight, compact, and ready to use without complex setup, it enables smooth roughness measurements to be captured in ambient light without the need for specific laboratory conditions.

Another major advantage is that you can measure all areas of the body, well beyond the face. Whether it is to objectify the dryness of the legs, the irregularities of the arms or the effects of a resurfacing treatment on the back of the hands, the C-Cube guarantees identical standardization and precision on the entire body. This is a valuable freedom to adapt protocols to a wide variety of clinical claims.

Targeted claims, strong visual evidence

Roughness measurements are particularly suitable for the evaluation of products with texture-correcting effects. They make it possible to objectify allegations such as:

“Reduces surface irregularities”
“Refines skin texture”
“Smoothes residual acne marks”
“Improves the quality of the skin’s microrelief”

These claims, which are common in dermocosmetic protocols, require reproducible measurements and very high optical precision.

The system is particularly suitable for clinical testing of products such as: exfoliating treatments, peels, anti-acne treatments (especially post-lesional).

Data from the C-Cube helps connect perceived benefits to real-world scientific evidence, with actionable results for both clinical reporting and marketing communication.

Surface rugueuse en texture beige — Skin example before exfoliating treatment

Papier texturé beige sur fond noir. — Example skin after exfoliating treatment

A precision tool for reliable results

Whether it is to demonstrate the action of a post-acne treatment, to objectify a resurfacing formula or to illustrate a smoothing effect, the finesse of the C-Cube becomes a strategic asset.

The automation of analyses, the reproducibility of images and the direct export of results facilitate the integration of the system into evaluation protocols, without compromising on rigor.

In addition, the strong correlation between measured texture and sensory perception (softness, uniformity, smooth skin) reinforces the relevance of these measures in studies focused on user experience.

Because today, every detail counts, the C-Cube transforms skin texture into actionable scientific data.