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
ExploreMicrocurrent device, 8 weeks
Therabody study registered as NCT07510581.
Tested with: Expert grading, instruments, clinical photography
ExploreNot 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.
