VITRO-SKIN® is an advanced testing substrate that effectively mimics the surface properties of human skin. It has been formulated to have topography, pH, critical surface tension, chemical reactivity and ionic strength that is similar to human skin.

VITRO-SKIN® is currently used by over 175 leading companies worldwide and has been referenced in numerous patents and scientific presentations. It has been successfully applied in a broad range of in vitro methods including the measurement of SPF and UVA protection factors, evaluation of the water resistance of sunscreen formulations, measuring the photo-stabilizing effects of raw material additives, rapid in vitro assessment of sunless tanning formulations, evaluation of the performance of skin adhesives and adhesive bandages (including waterproof bandages), in vitro microbiological testing (both antimicrobial and antivirus), in vitro skin deposition studies (of a broad range of functional materials and active ingredients) and assessment of prototype and emollient spreading. Testing done on VITRO-SKIN® is generally more reproducible than that performed on human skin due to the consistent topography and wetting properties across each sheet. VITRO-SKIN® with N-19 topography is optimized to mimic human back skin. It is a synthetic (non-biological) product.

Applications
Rapid In Vitro SPF/UVA Testing

At IMS, our mission is to generate highly predictive SPF and UVA data for our clients, rapidly and at modest cost. We do not offer dozens of different assays. Instead we have focused our research efforts on in vitro SPF and UVA testing both static and water resistance. We are committed to offering the highest quality data and the best possible service to our clients.

In Vitro Testing of Make Up Formulations
  • For color comparisons
  • To test make up removal properties of facial cleansers
  • For lipstick pay-out, wear and durability evaluation

In Vitro Sunless Tanning Applications
  • Assess color development of prototype formulations and raw materials
  • Easily follow color development via reflectance measurements (using a color probe)

In Vitro Waterproof SPF/UVA Testing

Are you working to develop Suncare products that deliver superior waterproof performance? Are you responsible for developing new waterproof raw material and formulation technology? Do you wish that there was a rapid in vitro waterproof method that correlated with in vivo testing?

Advantages
Correlation with In Vivo SPF Testing
(VITRO-SKIN®   vs.  Transpore Tape)

Starter Kit
The Complete VITRO-SKIN® Starter Kit is $200, and Includes
  • One IMS in vitro SPF/UVA testing protocol
  • Two 22 cm x 27 cm (8.5″ x 10.5″) sheets of VITRO-SKIN®
  • Four 6 cm x 6 cm sample holders
  • Two 35 mm reference holders
  • One plastic hydration chamber with two mesh shelves and a spacer
  • One plastic covered foam block (to simulate the flexibility of the human dermis)
  • Twelve latex finger cots

Protocol
In Vitro SPF/UVA Protocol for use with VITRO-SKIN® Substrate

The quantity of water absorbed by human stratum corneum during product application, rub-out and dry-down impacts on how various emulsions spread and de-emulsify on skin. Our research indicates that water absorption by substrate (either human skin or VITRO-SKIN®) can have a significant effect on measured SPF and UVA protection factors. Dramatic improvements in the correlation with in vivo testing can be achieved by reproducibly hydrating the substrate prior to product application.

Publications
Publications, Patents, Articles and Protocols Related to VITRO-SKIN®

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2002, 24, 1-8
Development of an in vitro efficiency test for self-tanning formulations

R. Jerrmann, M. Toumiat and D. Imfeld
Pentapharm Ltd, Engelgasse 109, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
Received 20 April 2001. Accepted 26 July 2001.
Keywords: erythrulose, dihydrosyacetone, in vitro efficacy test, self-tanning formulations, skin colour assessment, vitro skin

Synopsis

In the last few years, the desire to acquire a tan without sunbathing has grown. In response, many cosmetic companies have produced self-tanning preparations. However, to optimize these formulations, a suitable model to assess the colour induced on the skin remains to be developed. We have developed an in vitro method using a synthetic skin in order to study the efficacy of self-tanning formulations. The in vitro test was then used to study the influence of cosmetic ingredients upon the colour induced by erythrulose- or dihydroxyacetone-containing formulations. Finally, an in vivo study allowed us to relate the results obtained in vitro with those found on human skin. The results show that this in vitro test system is a reliable tool to predict the efficacy of self-tanning products.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH IFSCC CONGRESS
USE OF SYNTHETIC SKIN FOR IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF PHOTPROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF SUNSCREENS: APPLICATION TO DIFFERENT TYPE OF EMULSIONS
N.S. Tokgoz, G. Marginean-Lazar, A. Ponte, A.E. Fructus
Laboratoires Dermatologiques Lutsia, Boots Healthcare International, Paris, France 2Hermal, Boots Healthcare International, Hamburg, Germany 3Ecole Biolgie Industrielle, Paris, France

Several methods exist that evaluate sunscreens efficacy for ultraviolet radiations (FDA, DIN, COLIPA, Australian standards etc.) and it is generally accepted that the determination of sun protection faction (SPF) on humans is the most reliable one.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH IFSCC CONGRESS
SUNSCREEN O1/W/O2, MULTIPLE EMULSION WITH ORGANIC AND MINERAL UV ABSORBERS.
L. Ferrero, K. Golz, S. Bouttes, L. Zastrow

INTRODUCTION:
Numerous studies have revealed the interest of multiple emulsions for the cosmetic industry (1)-(4). These complex systems present several advantages compared to other systems: high entrapment capacity, possible protection of fragile substances encapsulated into the internal

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH IFSCC CONGRESS
SPECTROSCOPY OF SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS: HOW TO EXPLAIN THE SPECIAL SHAPE OF UV CURVES OBTAINED FROM IN VITRO SPF TESTS.
Authors: L. Ferrero, A.M. Orcet, L. Zastrow

INTRODUCTION:
Numerous attempts have been made to understand how sunscreen preparations protect against UV radiations (1)-(4). Normally, the final UV absorption of a sunscreen product should depend on absorption curves of each UV filters placed within the preparation. However, it is now trivial to remark the bad accordance between SPF(s) directly calculated from spectroscopic absorbances of pure UV filters (obtained from dilute solutions and measured in 1 cm quartz

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH IFSCC CONGRESS
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONALITY OF SUNSCREEN FORMULATIONS
A. Semenzato, M. Poropat, M. Marcazzan, A. Bettero
Centro di Cosmetologia Chimica, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita di Padova Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy

INTRODUCTION:
The use of polymeric additives as raw materials 1, 2, 3, 4, which could increase the SPF value of sunscreens, has grown up much lately.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH IFSCC CONGRESS
COMPARISON OF UVA/UVB PROTECTION OF FOUNDATION FORMULATIONS BETWEEN SPHERICAL POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES VERSUS NANOFINE METAL OXIDES ARE EVALUATED IN TWO SPF IN VITRO METHODS.
Jaana Printz and Alain Saintrond*
Cosmetic Innovations and Technologies, 13 Rue des Livraindrieres, Dreux, France.
*Creations Couleurs, Research Laboratory, 6 rue Jules Pasdeloup, 28100 Dreux, France.

Key Words: Colour stability, Photostability, Spherical Polymer Matrix Composites, In vitro SPF

Guarantee
VITRO-SKIN® – Unconditional Guarantee

Our No Hassle, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the data you obtain using VITRO-SKIN®, VITRO-NAILS® or VITRO-CORNEUM®, simply return the unused substrate within 45 days for an immediate refund or credit.

Research and Validation Work
The IMS Testing Group Conducts Leading Edge Research on In-Vitro UVA and SPF Testing
  • September 2015 – SCC Sunscreen Symposium – Invited Speaker (Orlando, FL)
  • April 2002 – SCC Sunscreen Symposium – Short Course, A Unified Theory of Sunscreen Performance on Skin (Orlando, FL)
  • September 1999 – SCC Sunscreen Symposium – Invited Speaker (Orlando, FL)
  • September 1999 – SCC Sunscreen Symposium – UVA Short Course (Orlando, FL)
  • September 1999 – Long Island Chapter SCC – Annual Educational Seminar – Invited Speaker (Melville, NY)
  • February 1999 – Ohio Valley Chapter SCC – Invited Speaker (Cincinnati, OH)
  • September 1998 – Prior to 20th IFSCC Congress – UVA Short Course (Cannes, France)
  • September 1997 – SCC Sunscreen Symposium – UVA Short Course (Miami, FL)
  • March 1997 – International Broad Spectrum Meeting – Invited Speaker (London, England)
  • November 1996 – Photoprotection Short Course for the Australian SCC (Sydney, Australia)
  • October 1996 – IFSCC Sunscreen Workshop – Invited Speaker (Sydney, Australia)
  • October 1996 – IFSCC 1st Runner up for Outstanding Poster (Sydney, Australia)
  • October 1995 – SCC Sunscreen Symposium – UVA Short Course (Orlando, FL)
  • May 1995 – National SCC Scientific Seminar – Invited Speaker (Cleveland, OH)
  • April 1995 – Mid-Atlantic Chapter SCC – Invited Speaker (Baltimore, MD)
  • March 1995 – International UVA Meeting – Invited Speaker (London, England)
  • November 1994 – Photoprotection Short Course for Raw Material Suppliers (Newark, NJ)
  • September 1994 – Connecticut Chapter SCC – Invited Speaker (Westport, CT)
  • June 1994 – World Short Course – 2 day Sunscreen Seminar (Newark, NJ)
  • June 1994 – World Short Course – 2 day Sunscreen Seminar (Sydney, Australia)
  • June 1994 – World Short Course – 2 day Sunscreen Seminar (London, England)
  • May 1994 – FDA Meeting – UVA Claims and Testing Procedures for OTC Sunscreen Drug Products – Speaker (Rockville, MD)
  • December 1993 – 2 day Photoprotection Short Course – Radisson Hotel (Newark, NJ)
  • December 1993 – 2 day Photoprotection Short Course – Ritz Carlton Hotel (Marina del Rey, CA)
  • October 1993 – SCC Sunscreen Symposium – Invited Speaker (Orlando, FL)
Patents
Patents Referencing VITRO-SKIN® Substrate
Patent# Description Company
9,926,470 Hybrid Material of Crosslinked Microgel Particles Dispersed in an Adhesive Avery Dennison Corporation
9,826,877 Gel Wipe Composition Comprising a Superabsorbent Gel Fiber Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
9,751,063 Emulsion Compositions and Applications Therefor Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
9,669,243 Delivery Of Hydrophobic Benefit Agents From Bodywashes And The Like Onto A Keratinous Substrate BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, DE)
9,622,944 Gel-Wipe For Personal Care And Household Cleansing Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
9,561,164 High Lubrication Shaving Aid Kulesza; John E.
9,486,396 Metal Salt Compositions Colgate-Palmolive Company
9,468,614 Oral Care Method And Kit 3M Innovative Properties Company
9,370,475 Oral Care Compositions Colgate-Palmolive Company
9,216,304 Method Of Depilation And Depilatory Kit The Gillette Company
9,044,403 Sporicidal Hand Sanitizing Lotion Medivators Inc.
8,986,663 Skin Care Compositions Rohm and Haas Company & Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology LLC
8,568,701 Cationic Synthetic Polymers With Improved Solubility And Performance In Phosphate Surfactant-Based Systems And Use In Personal Care And Household Applications Hercules Incorporated
8,557,229 Hair Removal Method And Hair Removal Kit The Procter & Gamble Company
8,545,859 Use Of Acrylates Copolymer As Waterproofing Agent In Personal Care Applications Akzo Nobel N.V.
8,460,689 Oral Care Method And Kit 3M Innovative Properties Company
8,343,523 Disinfectant With Durable Activity Based On Alcohol-Soluble Quaternary Ammonium Polymers And Copolymers Quick-Med Technologies, Inc.
8,343,469 Cationic Synthetic Polymers With Improved Solubility And Performance In Surfactant-Based Systems And Use In Personal Care And Household Applications Hercules Incorporated
8,318,220 Bioactive Compositions From Theacea Plants And Processes For Their Production And Use Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC
8,263,678 Compositions For Repelling Fluid And Uses Thereof McNeil-PPC, Inc.
8,173,110 Pre-Shave Preparation With Enhanced Lubricity Combe Incorporated
8,158,678 Photoabsorbing, Highly Conjugated Compounds Of Cyanoacrylic Esters, Sunscreen Compositions And Methods Of Use CPH Innovations Corp.
8,088,400 Disinfectant With Quarternary Ammonium Polymer And Copolymers Quick-Med Technologies, Inc.
8,043,635 Bioactive Compositions From Theacea Plants And Processes For Their Production And Use Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC
7,981,402 Alkyl Benzene Sulfonyl Urea Photostabilizers And UV-Absorbers Hallstar Innovations Corp.
7,799,317 Photostabilizers, UV Absorbers, And Methods Of Photostabilizing Compositions Hallstar Innovations Corp.
7,648,697 Compounds Derived From Polyanhydride Resins With Film-Forming, UV-Absorbing, And Photostabilizing Properties, Compositions Containing Same, And Methods Of Using The Same Hallstar Innovations Corp.
7,560,098 Compounds Derived From Polyanhydride Resins With Film-Forming, UV-Absorbing, And Photostabilizing Properties, Compositions Containing Same, And Methods Of Using The Same Hallstar Innovations Corp.
7,550,134 Compounds Derived From Polyanhydride Resins With Film-Forming, UV-Absorbing, And Photostabilizing Properties, Compositions Containing Same, And Methods Of Using The Same Hallstar Innovations Corp.
7,534,420 Compounds Derived From Polyanhydride Resins With Film-Forming, UV-Absorbing, And Photostablizing Properties, Compositions Containing Same, And Methods Of Using The Same Hallstar Innovations Corp.
7,473,435 Bioactive Compositions Form Theacea Plants And Processes For Their Production And Use Integrated Botanical Technologies, LLC
7,179,880 Cosmetic Preparation Containing Polycarbonates Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
7,014,842 Sunscreen Composition Playtex Products, Inc.
6,991,799 Non-Sticky Cosmetic Moisturizer For Skin And Hair Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
6,770,270 Methods Of Making And Selling A Sunscreen Composition The C.P. Hall Company
6,576,228 Personal Wash Sunscreen Compositions Which Deposit And Lather Well Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
6,537,529 Sunscreen Compositions And Methods And Materials For Producing The Same The C.P. Hall Company
6,485,713 Sunscreen Compositions And Methods And Materials For Producing The Same The C. P. Hall Company
6,406,682 Saxifraga Extracts For Artificially Tanning Human Skin Societe L’Oreal
5,849,273 Skin Care And Sunscreen Composition Containing Dibenzoylmethane Derivative, E.G., Parsol.RTM. 1789, And C.Sub.12, C.Sub.16, C.Sub.18 Branched Chain Hydroxybenzoate And/Or C.Sub.12, C.Sub.16 Branched Chain Benzoate Stabilizers/Solubilizers The C. P. Hall Company
5,788,954 Hydrating Skin Care And Sunscreen Composition Containing Dibenzoylmethane Derivative, E.G., Parsol 1789, And C12, C16, C18 Branched Chain Hydroxybenzoate And/Or C12, C16, Branched Chain Benzoate Stabilizers/Solubilizers The C. P. Hall Company