Driven by the goal to make everyone feel good in their skin, Eucerin’s dedication to advanced research, superior product development and highest quality became essential. The most important thing for us is to strive for the highest standard, by constantly providing efficacy and tolerability. Based on elementary pillars of quality, such as safety and tolerability, efficacy, consolidating and sharing knowledge, as well as constant collaborations with experts - our high standards, established back in the days, founded by Paul C. Beiersdorf, are still Eucerin´s highest goals and part of the brands vision. And that pays off: more than 100 years of experience and quality demands have given Eucerin highest esteem and trust among pharmacists and dermatologists worldwide.

Recognised as one of the leading and most trustworthy skin care brands, means having to deliver on that trust every day. That is why testing and safety are paramount at Eucerin. 

"All Eucerin skin solutions are tested in extensive in-vitro (= tested in the laboratory) and in-vivo (= tested on humans) tests."

In vitro tests

Every possible ingredient or formula identified by our researchers will undergo testing. With reconstructed skin models that reproduce skin’s structure and by optimally imitating the conditions and reactions with real skin cells, it is possible to examine and "predict” physiological reactions to substances. Hundreds of formulas and thousands of possible ingredients are tested this way every year.

In vivo tests

Eucerin maintains entire in-house test unit facilities where the in vivo tests (tests on study participants) are conducted. Patch tests deliver insights and results as to whether a product’s skin tolerability is actually given. In these tests, patches containing a small sample of the test product are applied. Mostly on the sensitive skin of a forearm, to study reactions and tolerability. The facilities are a vital part of the skin research center at Hamburg. More than 2,200 studies on new skin care formulas and ingredients are conducted here every year, involving 45,000 contacts with volunteers. Eucerin also works closely with a multitude of external test institutes, dermatological clinics and experts.

Eucerin does not use animals to test cosmetic products. This has been our policy since long before the directives regulating animal testing in cosmetics went into effect in the European Union in 2004. Convinced that using animals to test cosmetic products in order to prove that they are safe and effective is not necessary, we have worked successfully for more than 20 years with in-vitro alternatives to animal testing. Being a subsidiary of Beiersdorf, one of the well-known leading and accepted research companies around the world, we are actively advocating for the worldwide acceptance of existing animal test-free alternative methods by respective authorities. Furthermore, we strive to fill the gaps where alternative methods are not yet available, supporting those scientific efforts both in terms of personnel and financially.

Biophysical tests ensure that a product will actually deliver the expected results. Relevant factors such as skin moisture, reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and regenerative capacity of the skin can all be measured with the latest technologies. 

Even the reduction of wrinkle depth can be measured. The so-called PRIMOS method allows for before/after tests that will give relevant data on the performance of a cream in terms of reducing wrinkles. All the methods used are innovative and derived from various scientific sectors, PRIMOS for example being used in the car industry.

New insights into age-dependent structural changes of skin, have been gained by Eucerin researchers thanks to CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope). This high-resolution microscopic device has made it possible to gain in-depth insights into the intact human skin and its structures at the research center, without having to take skin specimens from test subjects.

Today’s consumers cannot only expect safety and efficacy, but also a pleasurable experience when using the product. Yet more tests and in-vivo studies conducted at our Test Center will deliver consumer feedback on texture, the product’s sensation on skin, fragrance etc.

The center is equipped with 35 examination rooms and with the latest technology capable of measuring changes and reactions in the skin, thus demonstrating and documenting the effectiveness of anti-ageing products, for example. The direct contact with and feedback of the test persons delivers important information for product optimisation and insights into the needs and wishes of consumers and their skin, all of which allow for fine-tuning and optimal adjusting.

This kind of microscopy directs laser light to specified points within the upper skin to scan various layers of the epidermis and the dermis. Hence, the reflected light reveals raster images of 2D cross-sections of cells and tissue, which can also be obtained in a 3D image. Every second up to 20 raster images can be recorded in this way, providing us with precise data on type, size and number of cells and papillae in the skin.

Keeping up with the latest in dermatological and medical findings, Eucerin also partners with recognised and leading practicing physicians dermatologists, clinicians and clinics to gain insights from patients, ensuring that the effectiveness of all products for specific skin concerns, such as specific care for Atopic Dermatitis and, blemished skin are addressed.

"Being committed to providing solutions for diverse skin concerns for us means testing them to the utmost quality and safety standards", says  Rainer Wolber, PhD, Head of  Research & Development Eucerin. 

"As a company committed to research as well as dermatology, we will ensure that every product we come up with undergoes extensive tests and trials for safety and efficacy in our laboratories. Excellent product quality is the desired result".