Skincare and
cosmetic clinical
trials

A consumer perception study is significantly less scientific than a clinical study. A perception study has the goal of "just" creating claims. It's still a robust study, but just for the sake of making claims that are based on data.

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Perception studies typically include 30-40 participants that are generally healthy. They don't screen for specific inclusion and exclusion criteria (except for age and some high-level concerns that participants have - e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, thinning hair, etc.). Perception studies typically don't have a comprehensive baseline questionnaire (many don't have a baseline questionnaire), because the goal is to make claims. However, perception studies typically have a "before & after photos". The study check-ins (typically just 1 or 2) have 5-10 questions that are targeting claims. For example: "do you agree that the product reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles?", measured on a Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

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When opting for a clinical study, typically the goal is to create more robust, truly scientific/research-backed claims. Companies opt for a clinical study because they want statistical analysis, they want to publish their report somewhere, or they want to be taken more seriously by the medical community. Typically supplement brands and more sophisticated skincare brands opt for clinical studies, because then they can include biomarkers (or skin markers). In a clinical trial, brands can also include more sophisticated questionnaires, or even (University-) validated questionnaires, they can clearly define the inclusion and exclusion criteria of study participants, and also include more details, for example, "participants shouldn't take this and that medication/supplement", "participants should have this and that health condition", "participants should have this and that lifestyle". Additionally, clients can include study-specific questionnaires (similar to perception studies), to help make their claims, but they can also add validated questionnaires to the mix. Questionnaires for clinical studies are typically around 40 questions. Also, clients can then include biomarkers/skin markers/digital markers, and of course, before and afters, which can also be clinically graded. Typically, clinical studies get IRB approved (perception studies don't). And clinical studies can also come in the forms of randomized-controlled studies, while perception studies are usually single arm.

Dermatologist approval simply means that a dermatologist has signed off on the safety and efficacy of a product. It actually doesn’t mean that a clinical study is involved, it really just means that a dermatologist gave their blessing for a product.

Putting your product(s) to the test is easy with Citruslabs. Regardless if you’re looking to conduct a randomized-controlled study, a single-arm study, a consumer perception study or consumer research, we got your back. We simplify the process for you and make sure to get you the data you need to create claims for your website and product packaging. With Citruslabs, you can expect that we take care of the whole study for you, from start to finish. Get in touch! Beginning a clinical trial for your products is simpler than you think and is one of the best investments you can make for your brand.

Clinical trials allow you to make data-backed cosmetic claims such as “reduces the appearance of fine lines,” “improves skin hydration,” “minimizes redness,” or “visibly evens skin tone.” These claims must stay within the realm of cosmetic benefits, meaning they affect appearance, not function or structure of the skin.

If your trial is properly designed and shows statistically significant results, you can confidently use language like “clinically tested” or “proven effective in a clinical study.” Just avoid medical or therapeutic claims, such as treating eczema or acne, unless your product is classified as an OTC drug or has FDA clearance.

Skincare trial durations depend on the type of outcome you want to measure. Most studies run for 4 to 12 weeks, which allows enough time to observe visible changes in the skin under real-world usage conditions.

Quick benefits like hydration, softness, or radiance can often be measured in as little as 24 hours to 7 days, while claims related to wrinkle reduction, elasticity, firmness, or dark spot fading typically require 8 to 12 weeks for measurable results. Adding time for planning, recruitment, and reporting, the full process usually spans 2 to 4 months.