MatTek grows human skin in lab for testing cosmetics

US-based MatTek has developed a range of human skin to provide an alternative to animal testing.

Besides cosmetics, this skin can be used to test household cleaners and other related products.

The firm has developed skin of all ages, sexes, and races and this breakthrough will enable firms to avoid testing of cosmetics and chemicals on animals such as rabbits, reported metro.co.uk.

The skin is grown in the lab using donated skin obtained during cosmetic procedures. The product measures less than a fifth of a millimetre thick and consists of a clear jelly.

The firm also secures samples from National Disease Research Interchange, which carries out research work on donated tissue of the deceased.

In addition, MatTek develops skin containing pigmentation cells, which allows cosmetics firms to test products such as lightening creams, reported Wired.com.

The lab-grown skin is not meant for skin grafts.