Neurocosmetics and testable effects
Defining the effect of interest establishes the observations and comparisons a study needs. Product experience, emotional outcomes and cutaneous mechanisms require distinct questions.
Distinct questions and evidence
Product experience
Perception and use
Emotional outcomes
Defined experience criteria
Cutaneous biology
Mechanism-specific endpoints
Characterise product experience
Texture, comfort, temperature and fragrance call for assessments suited to perception and use. Examine how the experience changes with product characteristics or conditions.
Examine emotional outcomes
Pleasure, perceived calm and well-being require definitions and matching assessment criteria. Behavioural, expressive or physiological observations can be added when relevant to the hypothesis.
Investigate a cutaneous mechanism
A proposed action on cutaneous pathways requires relevant biological endpoints. An emotional report or a general physiological change does not establish that mechanism. The operational scope of biological investigations must be defined with the project partners.
Study relationships between levels
Observing effects at both cutaneous and emotional levels does not establish a causal pathway. Investigate the proposed relationship explicitly. Results determine what can be claimed.
Related publications
- Roso A et al. (2024). Contribution of cosmetic ingredients and skin care textures to emotions. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 46, 262–283.
DOI - Bouhout S, Aubert A, Vial F, Choquenet B (2023). Physiological benefits associated with facial skincare: Well-being from emotional perception to neuromodulation. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 45, 458–469.
DOI
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