Find your study
Answer four questions to see the study design that usually supports your claim.
Choose a claim to see a typical study design.
Skin claims
Anti-aging
Claims that a product reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles or loss of firmness.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, clinical photography
Typical study: 35 subjects enrolled, 8 weeks with a midpoint visit.
ExploreHyperpigmentation
Claims that dark spots, melasma or uneven tone look lighter or more even.
Tested with: Expert grading, color measurement, clinical photography
Typical study: 35 subjects enrolled, 6 to 8 weeks.
ExploreMoisturization
Claims that skin is more hydrated, less dry or has a stronger moisture barrier.
Tested with: Corneometer, TEWL, expert grading
Typical study: 25 to 30 subjects, measured at baseline, immediately after use, at 8 hours (all day) and at 24 hours.
ExploreLuminosity
Claims that skin looks brighter, more radiant or more even in tone.
Tested with: Expert grading, color measurement, clinical photography
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 2 to 4 weeks.
ExploreUnder eye
Claims about dark circles, puffiness and fine lines around the eyes.
Tested with: Expert grading, clinical photography
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 4 to 8 weeks.
ExploreCellulite and texture
Claims that skin looks smoother, firmer or less dimpled.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, clinical photography
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 4 to 8 weeks.
ExploreAcne and pores
Claims about blemishes, visible pores and oil control, including OTC acne claims.
Tested with: Lesion counts, expert grading
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 2 to 6 weeks.
ExploreMicrobiome
Claims that a product respects the skin's natural microbiome.
Tested with: Swabs, tape strips, sequencing
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 2 to 4 weeks.
ExploreRedness
Claims that skin looks less red or calmer.
Tested with: Expert grading, clinical photography, image analysis
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 24 hours to 2 weeks.
ExploreOTC, actives and devices
OTC drug claims
Drug claims for products sold under an FDA OTC monograph, such as acne and dandruff products.
Tested with: Clinical studies designed to the monograph
ExploreSPF
SPF, broad spectrum and water resistance claims for sunscreens.
Tested with: Partner labs, plus supporting studies at VCS
ExploreActive ingredients
Claims about how an active ingredient performs in a finished product.
Tested with: Clinical studies, instruments
ExploreSafety and irritation
Claims such as non-irritating and non-comedogenic for topical products.
Tested with: Irritation, sensitization and comedogenicity testing
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 3 to 4 weeks.
ExploreDandruff
Claims that a shampoo or scalp product reduces visible flakes.
Tested with: Expert flake grading, scalp imaging
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, 2 to 6 weeks.
ExploreDeodorant and antiperspirant
Claims about odor control and sweat reduction.
Tested with: Clinical studies, panelist assessment
Typical study: 20 subjects completing, 48 or 72 hours.
ExploreBeauty devices
Claims for LED, microcurrent, RF and other beauty and wellness devices.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, clinical photography
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, measured at 4 and 8 weeks.
ExploreHair, body and more
Haircare
Claims about shine, strength, breakage and frizz.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, consumer perception
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, immediate results or 2 to 4 weeks for efficacy.
ExploreHair growth
Claims that hair looks fuller, thicker or denser over time.
Tested with: Expert grading, clinical photography
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, or 20 on placebo and 20 on the test product, over 4 to 6 months.
ExploreEyelash
Claims that lashes look longer, fuller or more defined.
Tested with: Expert grading, clinical photography
Typical study: 25 subjects completing, immediate results or long-term growth at 2 to 4 weeks.
ExploreLip care
Claims about lip hydration, smoothness, lines and fullness.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, clinical photography
Typical study: 25 subjects completing, immediately after use and at 1 or 2 weeks.
ExploreFoot care
Claims about cracked heels, dryness, calluses and anti-fungal OTC products.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, clinical photography
Typical study: 30 subjects completing, measured at 1, 2 and 4 weeks.
ExploreNutraceuticals
Beauty-from-within claims for supplements that target skin, hair or nails.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, clinical photography
Typical study: 20 subjects on the test product and 20 on placebo, measured at 1, 2 and 4 weeks.
ExploreMakeup and cosmetics
Claims about wear time, instant visual results and how makeup looks on skin.
Tested with: Expert grading, clinical photography, consumer perception
Typical study: 25 subjects completing, measured immediately and at 24 hours.
ExploreProduct formats and perception
Skincare, personal care and makeup
Efficacy and safety studies across finished consumer products.
Tested with: All test methods
ExploreConsumer perception
Claims based on what panelists report, such as the share who agree their skin feels smoother.
Tested with: Panelist questionnaires, self-assessment
Typical study: 25 subjects completing, questionnaires at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks.
ExplorePublished results from VCS studies
Hyperpigmentation, 18 weeks
Good Molecules study registered as NCT07136766.
Tested with: Expert grading, clinical photography
ExploreEye cream, 12 weeks
Revision Skincare study registered as NCT05807620.
Tested with: Expert grading, clinical photography
ExploreMineral sunscreen whitening
Johnson and Johnson and Kenvue study registered as NCT05565625.
Tested with: Clinical assessment
ExploreFrom the VCS blog
Where to next
Keep exploring
Not sure which test fits your claim?
Tell us the claim you want to make and the product it is for. Our team will suggest a study design and send a quote.