People often see the words “dermatologically tested” on products. But what does this mean? We explore why this is important in establishing credibility, especially for skincare brands.

Credibility is an important factor in doing business. After all, if you want your brand to stand out, you need to be trusted by your customers. But just when you think building credibility is complex, maintaining it takes even more work! Without it, however, your business may struggle to attract and retain customers.

How can you build your brand’s credibility? Beyond the packaging, backing from celebrity endorsers, and all the frills that come with what you’re selling, first and foremost, the product has to work. It is, after all, what your customers will be paying for.

And in a world with many options, it’s just as easy to switch to another brand, which as a business owner, you wouldn’t want your customers to do.

While word of mouth and first-hand experience does help establish credibility, getting the approval of experts can help further legitimize your product. After all, expert opinion is usually backed by data, analysis, and studies—facts, which hold more water than opinions. Each industry has its own pool of experts, but in the skincare and beauty industry, we usually seek the advice of dermatologists.

What’s in a Name?

Beauty and skincare products usually bear a reputation for being tested on animals—a practice that has been frowned on by animal rights activists and even the public themselves. And while it would be nice to seek the opinion of your dermatologist for every new product you plan on buying, that just isn’t feasible.

The next best thing? Dermatologically tested skincare products.

In order to be dermatological tested, products undergo a rigorous process in order to assess its potential to cause irritation and sensitization (or allergic reactions) on the skin—or simply, to show whether a particular brand is suitable for most skin types.

Sensitive skin takes the form of redness, itchiness, and dryness, among other symptoms, and people with this condition tend to be apprehensive about trying new products. But with this added seal, their worries are eased, as they have an expert opinion that they can trust.

The Process Behind Being Dermatologically Tested

The process is called repeat-insult patch testing and it involves applying a small sample of the product to a target area of the back. This is then covered with either a semi-occlusive or occlusive patch—much like a surgical dressing—which helps the skin absorb more of the product.

Said patches are left on for 24 hours, and after 48 hours have passed, the skin is assessed by a qualified expert for any indications of redness or swelling. The process is repeated many more times on just as many human volunteers with varying skin types—sometimes even on different areas of the body.

When the product passes the test, doctors who specialize in skin health give their seal of approval, making it dermatological tested.

Dermatologically Tested Brands

Once skincare brands can understand how different skin conditions can influence people’s everyday lives and choices, they too can understand the importance of having a “dermatologically tested” label on their cosmetic and hair products.

Some brands that have acquired the dermatologically tested seal of approval include:

From Cult-Favorite to Established Brand: Luxe Organix

A cult-favorite brand in its own right, Luxe Organix joins the extensive portfolio of Genson Distribution Inc. portfolio—some of which include Deonat, Love Supplements, Perfect Smile, Mediheal, and Tiger Balm. While the brand first started out with salon-grade quality yet affordable hair products under the Luxe Hair wing, it has expanded its offerings to include skincare and beauty products.

After almost eight years since its launch in the Philippines, Luxe Organix has become a beauty regimen brand favorite among Filipinos, thanks to its credible image—like word-of-mouth, reviews, and a well-curated social media image.

But going back to its main foundation of effectiveness, Luxe Organix secured yet another seal of approval from the experts themselves, as the brand received its dermatologically-tested seal from the experts at KC Research Center in South Korea and Dermatest Research Institute for Reliable Results in Germany.

The exclusive seal is a nod to the company’s vision that ensures all products are suitable and safe for sensitive skin. In order to secure this prestigious title, all of Luxe Organix’s products were tested in their final form in order to assess each and every potential that might cause irritation and allergic reactions on the skin.

“At Luxe Organix we pride ourselves on extensive scientific rigor when it comes to developing a new product,” said Mr. Eugene T. Yap, CEO of Genson Distribution, Inc. “We are committed to providing holistic Filipina beauties with clinic-grade skincare products that are highly effective and give great value for money.”

Heritage Apothecary Brand: Kiehl’s

Founded on a background that is rich with history, Kiehl’s represents a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal, and medicinal knowledge that has been developed and advanced through many generations.

A New York-based brand that was established in 1851, Kiehl’s first started out as an old-world apothecary, which becomes Kiehl’s Pharmacy under John Kiehl’s leadership. Fast forward to several years after, when his apprentice Irving Morse takes over and expands its selection to offer the brand’s first-ever product: Original Musk Oil, which goes on to become its signature scent.

As early as 1922, Morse pioneered the “Try Before You Buy” business model, where customers can experience both personalized customer service and receive samples to try first. Moreover, Kiehl’s prides itself on being transparent—by listing ingredients on its product labels even before it was mandated. That way, customers are more informed and confident about their buying decisions.

To date, Kiehl’s offers a wide range of products, including Dermatologist Solutions—a product line formulated by its very own team of chemists, together with an advisory panel of leading dermatologists. Products under this line have been dermatologically tested for that added reassurance that yes, it fits all skin types, even sensitive skin.

Gentle but Effective: Garnier Skin Naturals

Since its origins in 1904, French brand Garnier prides itself on offering effective and innovative products for both hair and skin. In fact, the brand first started out with owner Alfred Amour Garnier’s first patented plant-based hair lotion, La Lotion Garnier. Soon after, the company introduced sun-care products in 1936, followed by permanent home hair color in 1960.

In 1970, Garnier joins the ranks of parent company L’oreal and in 2007, it expanded its portfolio to include skincare products. And in 2018, its skincare line finally achieved its goal of using 96% naturally-derived ingredients and gentle formulations that cater to all skin types, skin goals, and lifestyles.

Bringing together active ingredients and antioxidants with well-known skincare actives. These are the selling points of the Garnier Skin Naturals range, as the brand uses cutting-edge expertise and techniques to extract ingredients from nature itself. What’s more, these products are dermatologically tested to suit different skin types—which goes hand-in-hand with being natural.

In the end, do labels really matter? Yes. Given that the skincare industry is growing at a fast pace—with many different brands to choose from—it’s easier to get drawn to pretty packaging and clever marketing tactics. But underneath all that, everyone’s skin has its unique needs and if the product can’t do anything for their skin (or worse, damage it), businesses can lose customers.

Labels are more than just a means to establish credibility. It also contains information that the end-user will need to know about the product and its effects. This can contribute to optimal skin health in the long run and from the perspective of businesses, can help build confidence in their customers’ buying decisions.