Dermatologically tested – meaning, procedures & safety

What does “dermatologically tested” mean?

The label "dermatologically tested" can be found on countless cosmetic products. Many consumers associate it with a kind of scientific seal of quality. However, the term is not legally protected. It essentially simply means that the product has been tested in some way with the involvement of dermatologists—albeit without standardized criteria that would apply equally to all manufacturers.

What types of dermatological tests are there?

The spectrum ranges from simple tolerability tests to clinical trials. Typical procedures include:

• Patch test: Patches containing the product or ingredients are applied to the skin to test for irritation or allergies.
• In vivo tolerance tests: Test subjects apply the product over several days, and dermatologists document reactions.
• Application tests: Over several weeks, the development of skin condition and tolerance is observed.
• Clinical trials: Strictly scientific studies, usually with placebo control – but rare in the cosmetics sector.

Why is the label not clear?

Because there are no legally uniform standards. A product may claim to be "dermatologically tested" even if it has only been tested on a small number of test subjects. Differences lie in:

• Number of participants (from a few to hundreds)
• Duration of the tests
• Type of evaluation (subjective impressions vs. objective measurement methods)

Therefore, although the label is an indication, it does not replace a comprehensive quality check.

What role does dermatological testing play in luxury skincare?

Luxury and premium brands often go significantly further. They combine standard dermatological tests with in vitro studies (e.g., effects on skin cells), clinical studies , or instrumental measurements (e.g., moisture content, wrinkle depth). Brands like NATURFACTOR® understand "dermatologically tested" as a commitment to testing their formulations not only for tolerability but also for effective efficacy .

What should consumers consider?

"Dermatologically tested" is a useful indicator, but not a guarantee. Reputable products also offer:

• Transparent information on the type of tests
• Combination with clinical trials or published data
• Reference to independent testing bodies

Conclusion

"Dermatologically tested" means the product has been tested by dermatologists – but to varying degrees. The label is only truly meaningful when manufacturers are transparent about how the testing was carried out. Premium brands like NATURFACTOR® go beyond the bare minimum, combining skin compatibility with scientifically proven effectiveness.

Sources

1. DermNet NZ – Cosmetics and dermatology https://dermnetnz.org
2. American Academy of Dermatology – Cosmetic safety basics https://www.aad.org
3. NCBI – Safety assessment of cosmetic products https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7062099/