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Morgan Carpenter

Research Methods for Supporting Cosmetics Product Claims


Robust product claims are often overlooked in the beauty industry, but they're no less important than for other consumer goods. Providing support for your cosmetic brand's claims is essential to maintaining brand transparency and attracting loyal customers. We have compiled an overview of the importance of supporting your makeup and cosmetics products with some form of research, and unpack some of the research options accessible to brands. These include clinical trials or consumer perception studies, both of which can be strategically employed to elevate product quality, credibility, and consumer trust.


The Essence of Robust Claims

Before we can get into research methods, your brand should understand why robust claims are essential in the cosmetics and makeup industry.


Building Trust: Claims substantiated by scientific research build consumer trust and confidence in product effectiveness.


Competitive Edge: In a competitive market, products with credible claims stand out. For years, cosmetics and skin care products were marketed on empty claims lacking scientific validity. Ensure your brand is part of the movement toward more robustly supported product claims.


Regulatory Compliance: Meeting regulatory standards is just as important for cosmetics as it is for other consumer goods. Robust claims ensure adherence, averting possible legal issues and financial ramifications.


Demonstrating Real Results: Robust claims reflect genuine product performance, fostering customer loyalty and satisfaction.


Clinical Trials: The Gold Standard for Validation

Clinical trials are reliably used for validating the efficacy and safety of cosmetics and makeup products. These trials provide concrete evidence to your consumers that your formula’s performance is as advertised. SOme aspects of clinical trials that cosmetics brands should be knowledgeable about include:


Study Design: Controlled studies are designed with specific objectives and criteria for success.


Participant Recruitment: Diverse participants, representative of the target audience, follow product instructions, and their experiences are meticulously recorded.


Data Collection: Scientific methods and tools collect data on relevant parameters such as skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, or product longevity.


Statistical Analysis: Rigorous statistical analysis determines the statistical significance of product effects.


Peer Review: Results often undergo peer review by experts, enhancing credibility and objectivity.


Clinical trials offer empirical proof of a product's effectiveness and safety, making them a potent tool for cosmetics brands.


Consumer Perception Studies: Real-World Insights

Consumer perception studies are a great option for brands that aren’t able to pursue the more rigorous models of clinical research.


Survey Design: Brands design surveys capturing consumer opinions, preferences, and product experiences.


Target Audience: Surveys are distributed to a representative sample of the target audience, providing diverse perspectives.


Data Analysis: Responses are analyzed to gauge consumer perceptions regarding product performance, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.


Feedback Integration: Consumer perception data informs product refinement, marketing strategies, and customer experience enhancement.


Consumer perception studies offer valuable insights into real-world product perception, helping brands align their products and user experience with consumer expectations.


Wrapping Up

As with other consumer industries, cosmetics that boast robust claims supported by clinical trials or consumer perception studies are ahead of the game. While clinical trials provide scientific validation, consumer perception studies offer insights into real-world experiences. Brands can choose the research method that best aligns with their product and goals. Whether through empirical evidence or consumer insights, substantiated claims provide important transparency and tend to improve consumer satisfaction.


Want to create your own product claims?

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.


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