Ensuring the safety of cosmetic products for infants and toddlers requires a higher level of care, precision, and regulatory awareness. Our In-use Cosmetic Test for Children Under 3 Years Old is specifically designed to evaluate how your product performs under real-life conditions when used by this sensitive target group.

Real-Life Product Evaluation

This extended in-use test provides valuable insights into how your product behaves during regular, repeated use over a defined period of time. Rather than relying solely on theoretical or laboratory-based assessments, this study focuses on actual consumer experience, helping to identify any potential issues related to tolerance, irritation, or usability.

What is in-use testing?

In-use testing involves a panel of volunteers using your cosmetic product over a defined period—typically between 7 to 28 days—in their normal daily routine. Participants provide structured feedback on various aspects such as:

• Skin compatibility

• Texture and sensory feel

• Ease of application

• Scent and overall user experience

• Hydration or soothing effects

• Perceived improvements (e.g. softer or smoother skin)

Test Design

• 15 volunteers participate in the study
  • Children under 3 years old***
  • Adults with sensitive skin (supporting safety assessment)
• Regular product application over a predefined number of weeks
• Continuous monitoring throughout the study period
• Structured feedback collection on skin tolerance and product performance

Supervision

Safety is our top priority, especially for products intended for very young children. This test is conducted under strict professional oversight:

• Pediatric supervision ensures that all observations related to infant and toddler skin are medically evaluated
• Dermatological supervision guarantees expert assessment of skin reactions, compatibility, and tolerance

Key Benefits

• Validate product safety for children under 3 years old
• Support CPSR and regulatory compliance with real-use data
• Substantiate “suitable for sensitive skin” and similar claims
• Identify potential irritation risks early in product development
• Strengthen consumer trust with clinically supervised testing

Can in-use testing support claims?

Yes, in-use testing is widely used to support consumer-perception-based claims. Because they reflect real-life consumer experience, in-use tests are ideal for substantiating:

1. Performance & perception claims

Here are some examples:

• “Leaves skin soft and smooth”
• “Improves skin hydration”
• “Pleasant to use”
• “Easy to apply”

2. Tolerance & compatibility claims

Here are some examples:

• “Well tolerated”
• “Suitable for sensitive skin”
• “Gentle on skin”
• “Dermatologically tested”

3. Target group claims

Here are some examples:

• “Suitable for children under 3 years”
• “Tested on sensitive skin”
• “Pediatric supervision”

4. Usage claims over time

Here are some examples:

• “Effective after X weeks of use”
• “Improves skin condition with regular use”

Ideal For

• Baby care products (creams, lotions, wipes, oils)
• Mild cleansers and shampoos
• Products marketed as hypoallergenic or extra gentle
• Formulations intended for sensitive or delicate skin

Reliable Data for Confident Market Entry

By combining real-life usage conditions with professional medical supervision, this in-use test delivers robust and credible data. It helps ensure your product is not only compliant with EU cosmetic regulations but also genuinely safe and well-tolerated by its most vulnerable users.