Cosmetics brands can improve their marketing by running a clinical trial to collect product claims that are scientifically supported. The clinical research process can seem complex, but it can be broken down into six simple steps that make clinical studies attainable for brands of all sizes. Each of these steps can be done with the help of a contract research organization (CRO), which are available to aid brands in clinical research for their formulas.
Step 1: Define Your Objectives and Protocol
Before starting your cosmetics research, it's important to define your objectives and create a protocol. Your objectives should include what you want to learn from the trial, such as the safety and efficacy of the product, and the target population for the study. Your protocol should outline the study design, the number of participants needed, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the endpoints, and the statistical analysis plan. It's important to have a clear and well-defined protocol to ensure that the study is standardized.
Step 2: Recruit Participants
Recruiting an adequate number of participants for a clinical trial can be a challenge, but it's essential to the success of the study. Your inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined to ensure that you recruit the right participants for the study. You can recruit participants through various methods, such as advertisements, social media, and word-of-mouth. This is when working with a CRO or recruitment service may be particularly helpful, as these companies have recruitment strategies and participant databases that can ensure you meet your enrollment target.
Step 3: Obtain Informed Consent
Before enrolling participants in the study, you need to obtain their informed consent. Informed consent means that participants are fully educated about the study’s particulars, including its risks and benefits, and are willing to participate voluntarily. You can obtain informed consent through a written document that participants sign or through an electronic format. It's essential to ensure that participants have a clear understanding of the study and that their consent is freely given.
Step 4: Conduct the Study
Once you have recruited participants, obtained informed consent, and designed a study with appropriate parameters (such as randomization and blinding), you can begin collecting data. You should follow your protocol closely to ensure that the study is conducted in a standardized manner. This includes administering the product as directed, collecting data on endpoints (such as skin hydration, appearance, and irritation), and monitoring participants for adverse events. It's important to document all data and events accurately and thoroughly. In virtual or hybrid trials, this means providing participants with clear instructions on product usage and self-report data collection.
Step 5: Analyze the Data and Create Product Claims
After collecting the data, you need to analyze it to determine the safety and efficacy of the product. You can use various statistical methods to analyze the data, such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis. You should also report your findings in a clear and concise manner, including any limitations of the study. If your study shows that the product is safe and effective, you can submit your findings to the regulatory agency in your country for approval. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cosmetics clinical trials. You should follow their guidelines closely to ensure your study meets their requirements.
Once you have analyzed your data and met the regulatory requirements appropriate for your product, you are able to turn your clinical research results into marketable product claims. For cosmetics clinical trials, these claims are often surrounding facets of skin appearance and long-term usage benefits, such as improved undereye brightness with continued use of a healing concealer. These claims can be given tangible statistics through your clinical study, allowing consumers to have a clear picture of what your formula will deliver.
In conclusion, the cosmetics clinical research process can be understood as a series of 5 simple steps - beginning with identifying your brand’s goals and finally resulting in marketable product claims. We recommend seeking out a CRO in order to run your clinical research as efficiently and effectively as possible. These companies can help you navigate the intricacies of the clinical research process within these 5 steps and beyond.
Want to create your own clinical trial?
Citruslabs provides a simple and affordable way to prove that your products actually work. At Citruslabs, we design a clinical trial that is right for you and your budget, so you can start sharing research-backed product claims without spending a fortune. We offer the cohesive planning and management required to conduct successful clinical trials, from start to finish. Ready to get started? Let's talk! You can contact us here.