INTIMATE CARE Consumers are beginning to demand
transparency from the brands they use, emphasising the need for testing conducted on real people as opposed to in isolation in labs. More and more companies are forming to help steer brands in the right direction, but many methods are currently being used, with some holding more weight than others.
Microbiome product testing Outside of safety and efficacy testing, there is a deep need to consolidate marketing claims with a formulation’s performance. Varying metrics can be evaluated such as hydration, vaginal pH levels, high resolution imaging, expert assessments, and even perception questionnaires. However, an increase in interest has been
found around the vaginal microbiome. As mentioned earlier, the vaginal microbiome is at its healthiest when it is at a lower bacterial diversity with an abundance of Lactobacillus. When it comes to testing the microbiome,
there are currently two main methodologies: in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro approach refers to testing a product within a laboratory setting in a petri dish. This approach is completely isolated from real life context, with the product never truly interacting with a female’s vaginal microbiome. On the other hand, in vivo testing allows for
scientists to put a formulation to the test in its true context, with human participants trialling the products over a long period of time. This allows for a comprehensive view of how a product is interacting with the microbiome.
Figure 2: Bubble plot reflecting differences between the vaginal and vulvar microbiome In vivo testing is particularly crucial for intimate
care products, as the vaginal environment is intricate and sensitive. The consequences of disruptions caused by poorly tested products can be severe, ranging from irritation and itching to increased vulnerability to infections. Only by subjecting products to thorough in vivo testing can
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we gain a comprehensive understanding of their effects on the vaginal microbiome (Table 1).
Sequential’s work with vaginal & vulvar microbiome testing At Sequential, we have had the opportunity to work on gathering data particular to the vaginal
www.personalcaremagazine.com
January 2024 PERSONAL CARE
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