UK’s XCellR8 and Cutest receive grant to develop in-vitro tests for cosmetics industry

UK-based in-vitro tests developer XCellR8 and dermatological testing firm Cutest have received an Innovate UK grant to support their new collaborative project to eliminate animal testing.

Under the two-year project, the firms intend to develop new methods to predict potential irritancy due to cosmetic products, enabling improved customer protection.

Commenced last month, the project will initially involve work to determine reliable correlations between in-vitro and in-vivo predicative irritation testing for topical ingredients and products.

The researchers are using a panel of select reference materials to enhance the sensitivity and predictive capacity of skin irritation tests.

XCellR8 founder and managing director Dr Carol Treasure said: “The latest funding from Innovate UK means we can continue to expand our research and development capabilities, which puts us at the leading edge of developing new, non-animal testing methods for the cosmetics industry, essential in complying with the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

“This grant will allow companies to take a leap forward in accurately establishing how ingredients may or may not irritate the skin prior to human volunteer trials, thus speeding up the process of bringing products to market.”

The application submitted to Innovate UK was supported by various personal care brands and retailers.

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Image: New in-vitro tests are expected to eliminate the need for animal testing. Photo: © XCellR8 2017.