The skin of a newborn is very different from that of adults in terms of structure, function, and composition. Even though it is ready at birth, the skin barrier of the newborn develops in the first years of life, allowing it to perform important functions such as protection, secretion, absorption, and temperature regulation. Therefore, it is essential that cosmetic products for babies are created with care, avoiding alterations to the skin’s pH and its protective barrier, thereby promoting proper development.
The Importance of Cleansing in Baby Skin Care
Maintaining the health of the skin barrier is fundamental, and an important part of this is proper skin cleansing. Cleansing helps remove unwanted substances such as saliva, secretions, and bacteria, which can cause irritation if they remain for too long. Often, water alone is not sufficient, so it is necessary to use specific cleansing products that protect the skin. These cleansers must contain suitable ingredients, well-balanced according to their concentration and use.
A New Approach to Clinical Testing
In light of this, our laboratories have developed a new evaluation method to ensure the safety of cleansing products for babies. This includes a pathway of in vivo tests designed to provide detailed information about the effectiveness and safety of the products, identifying potential adverse reactions.
Preliminary Activities
The evaluation begins with a thorough analysis of the ingredients present in the products, selecting raw materials with a good toxicological profile to ensure high-quality standards. Subsequently, microbiological, physicochemical, and in vitro tests are conducted to simulate the use of the product on the skin.
“In Vivo” Test Phases
1. Patch Test
The patch test is the first approach to assess whether the product causes irritation. We recruit a large number of subjects to ensure diverse skin responses. We also use instruments to collect objective and quantitative data, allowing us to monitor clinical reactions.
2. “In Use” Tolerability Test
Next, we conduct a tolerability test in use, checking the compatibility between the product and the skin during normal use. We monitor the characteristics of the skin before and after application to ensure there are no irritations.
3. Ophthalmological Tests
Since contact with the eyes is possible, we include an ocular tolerability test. This step is crucial to ensure that the products are gentle for the eye area, carefully observing any signs of irritation or discomfort.
4. Pediatric Supervised Testing
Only after completing the previous steps do we proceed with a clinical test under pediatric supervision. This test is conducted with the oversight of a pediatrician to ensure that the product is safe and suitable for babies.
Conclusions: Safety First
Thanks to our comprehensive approach, we can provide solid data demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of cleansing products for babies. This not only promotes the correct use of baby cosmetics but also ensures the well-being of the little ones’ skin.
Today, our strategies are applicable to a wide range of pediatric products, covering every aspect of cosmetic care in childhood. The safety and health of children are our priority, and our commitment to research and the development of safe and effective products continues to guide our activities.