Cosmetics & Personal Care | Monthly bulletin | January 2025

ATODERM Skin: A new ex vivo model to advance research and solutions for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-infectious inflammatory skin disorder associated with constant itching of the cutaneous tissue. It occurs mainly in childhood, with a frequency of up to 20% in this age group, while approximately 10% of the adult population is also impacted. Persistent itching – the most relevant clinical symptom of atopic dermatitis – considerably diminishes quality of life by causing sleep disturbance, insomnia and generally affecting daily activities.

At the molecular level, atopic dermatitis is characterised by a T helper 2 (Th2)-driven inflammatory response. Key interleukins, such as IL-13 and IL-31, contribute to a decrease in filaggrin expression, compromising the skin’s barrier function and resulting in extreme dryness. Genetic predispositions, including mutations in the filaggrin gene, have also been strongly associated with atopic dermatitis. Additionally, an imbalance in the skin microbiota, marked by the dominance of Staphylococcus aureus colonisation, plays a significant role in the disease's pathology.

Considering that atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder with a high socioeconomic impact, the development of a robust model allowing the screening and selection of molecules specific for the disease is a key step for the pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic industry. At Eurofins BIO-EC, we have recently developed an ex vivo human skin model, called Atopic Dermatitis skin (ATODERM Skin), able to very closely mimic the structural and molecular aspect of atopic dermatitis pathology.

To achieve this, human skin explants were treated systematically with a mix of different cytokines and were characterised using a multi-parametric approach.

The results that we obtained by the analysis of transcriptomic profile, the immunolocalisation of targeted proteins and the characterisation of skin barrier function by Raman spectroscopy indicate that ATODERM Skin is a new biological tool based on human skin ex vivo that can be used for the screening of molecules specific for atopic dermatitis.

By complementing in vitro research and clinical studies, the ATODERM Skin model represents a significant step forward for pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic industries. It offers a biologically relevant platform to identify and evaluate innovative solutions, ultimately aiming to improve the lives of individuals affected by atopic dermatitis.

Tissue regeneration: Comprehensive approach to skin healing and repair with Eurofins C&PC

In the ever-evolving field of skin care and medical treatment, cell and tissue regeneration is as a groundbreaking advancement. This field offers promising solutions for repairing and rejuvenating tissue, which is crucial for both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. With a deeper understanding of the biological processes involved, new possibilities have emerged for the development of effective products for wound care, regeneration, and tissue repair across various sectors including cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.

Eurofins C&PC is here to help you analyse tissue regeneration, with or without a combination of cosmetogenomics, ex vivo testing and clinical trials:

Cosmetogenomics: Playing a key role in advancing our knowledge of cell regeneration. By identifying how specific genes influence the skin's ability to regenerate, we can create more targeted and effective cosmetic solutions that promote healing and repair.
Ex vivo testing: Provides valuable insights into cellular responses during the regeneration process. By mimicking the natural healing environment, ex vivo testing allows you to observe how different treatments affect skin cells, tissues, and their regenerative abilities.
Clinical trials: Essential for validating the safety and efficacy of new regenerative products. The results of clinical studies confirm the regenerative and soothing effects of products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety while delivering visible benefits.

Together, these three methods provide a comprehensive understanding of how skin heals, regenerates, and responds to different treatments.

At Eurofins C&PC, we understand the complexities of tissue regeneration and the importance of delivering safe, effective, and scientifically validated solutions to the cosmetic industry. Our team of experts is dedicated to supporting you through every step of the development process, from innovative research to comprehensive clinical testing.

Ensuring asbestos-free cosmetics: Comprehensive testing for consumer safety

Although banned or heavily restricted in many countries, asbestos remains a potential concern in certain cosmetic products, particularly through mineral-based ingredients like talc and clays, which may contain asbestos fibres. These contaminants pose serious health risks, especially when inhaled or in prolonged contact with the skin.

International regulations are clear. In Europe, Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 explicitly prohibits its use in cosmetic products. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces stringent restrictions to safeguard consumers.

Testing for asbestos is therefore essential to guarantee consumer safety. At Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care, we employ advanced analytical techniques and use certified reference materials, including NIST’s SRM 1866 and SRM 1867. These reference standards validate the precision of our testing and confirm compliance with global regulatory requirements.

By conducting these rigorous analyses, Eurofins C&PC not only ensures the safety of your cosmetic products but also guarantees full compliance with international regulations, protecting consumer health and maintaining industry standards.

What’s next?

Trade show

PCHI - 19-21 Feb

Guangzhou – Stand 5K03

Learn more: https://www.eurofins.com/cosmetics/media-centre/pchi-2025/

Webinar

Atopic Dermatitis: Mastering tolerance and efficacy tests

27 February – 3:00 p.m. (CET)