The biotechnology company has released the CareType Analysis System that is designed to measure parameters in consumers’ skin associated with aging, wrinkling and overall skin wellness, giving results and recommending treatment options instantly.
According to the company the instant test result data can help instil confidence and trust in skincare clients and customers, and help build brand loyalty.
The technology is aimed at skin care professionals, retailers and product manufacturers, who can use the product to test a consumer’s skin, recommend treatment options and products, and track changes over time.
The company is currently focusing on the US professional skin care market, targeting estheticians working in salons and medispas; although, the retail market and department stores such as Nordstroms and Macy’s will be next on the list, CEO Damon Borich told CosmeticsDesign.
“We can imagine the product at department store beauty counters. Consumers who don’t know exactly the product they need can have a quick test done at the counter before choosing their purchase,” he said.
Perform in house tests before launch
Product manufacturers can also benefit from the technology as it can help them perform internal tests on products before bringing them to market and perform in house clinical trials.
A number of formulators have shown interest in the technology on both sides of the Atlantic, although the company is looking for an international distributor.
According to Borich, the system is one of the most consumer friendly solutions on the market.
“There is nothing else out there that can perform a non invasive test in 3-5 seconds. We can take a look at the skin in very specific areas and analyse it in under a minute,” explained Borich.
The technology currently tests for a range of parameters including skin hydration and how long the skin stays hydrated, wrinkling, pore size and sebum production. This is combined to create a care type number which can then be matched to products in the database known to fit the skin type.
However, over the next year the focus will move towards additional tests using specific biomarkers associated with skin conditions such as acne, Borich said.
“Assay design is a core expertise of the company. Over the next year we will introduce follow on tests that target biomarkers such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs),” he explained.
For Borich, the ultimate aim is to miniaturise the technology to such an extent that consumers can have one in the home to help them choose their skin care regime.