Consumer Perception Studies and Qualitative Questionnaires

A user trial collects consumers' own opinions of a product through subjective questionnaires, sensory feedback and qualitative comments. Validated Claim Support uses these studies to support "soft" claims about how a product looks and feels and how it is perceived to perform, as opposed to the measured efficacy that comes from instrumentation or expert grading.

Questionnaire data alone is generally not considered clinical, and its phrasing is limited because it is not objective like expert grading or instrumentation. Validated Claim Support adds subjective questionnaires to most of its clinical studies, so brands get consumer-facing feedback alongside hard objective clinical data.

Each study timepoint gives you the opportunity to ask approximately 20 individual questions about product efficacy. Qualitative consumer questionnaires are the most cost-effective way to obtain assessments for subjective claims.

The widely accepted industry standard is a minimum of 30 subjects completing a study for statistically significant skincare and beauty claims. Validated Claim Support recommends starting with 35 subjects to allow for dropout over the course of most studies, and may suggest a larger starting number.

Yes. Validated Claim Support is comfortable testing on smaller panels, generally with a minimum of 5 subjects for a pilot or proof of concept study. Small panels will not substantiate final claims, but they are useful for active ingredient comparisons and for checking that a product is ready for final clinical testing.

Validated Claim Support's participants return to its temperature and humidity controlled clinical site for evaluations, complete a diary, and have their product usage measured at several timepoints to help ensure compliance. That gives a qualitative endpoint that is more accurate and reliable than an at-home questionnaire alone.

A home use trial, or HUT, has participants use the product at home as directed for a set time and complete a self-perception questionnaire. It shows the product's usability and acceptability, consumers' opinion of its intended purpose, how it performs against competitors in comparison testing, and their view of its fragrance, shape, packaging and branding.