From Skin Signs to Perceived Age: A New Approach to Anti-ageing Efficacy
The concept of ‘age gain’ is based on a key idea for the cosmetics industry: skin age is not solely defined by chronological age. It can be objectively estimated using biological and morphological parameters, but also assessed through overall visual perception.
To address this complexity, Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care has developed a multi-criteria approach based on complementary protocols, enabling reliable, interpretable and reproducible quantification of age gain following cosmetic treatment.
1. Pigmentary Contrast and Skin Age Prediction
Eurofins C&PC has recently introduced an advanced protocol establishing a robust link between pigmentary contrast and estimated skin age.
This method is based on:
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High-resolution imaging,
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Precise colourimetric analysis of the contrast between individual pigmentary spots and the surrounding skin,
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Machine-learning tools correlated with a database built from several decades of studies on pigmentation evolution and skin ageing.
This protocol makes it possible to calculate an estimated skin age and then measure its evolution after product application.
For example, if a pigmentary spot typically associated with 60-year-old skin presents characteristics closer to those observed at 52 years after treatment, the protocol highlights an age gain of 8 years.
This objective and clinically interpretable indicator creates a direct bridge between biophysical data and consumer benefits. It is also adaptable to all phototypes, ensuring both cultural and scientific relevance in international studies.
2. Perceived Age Model Based on Wrinkle Analysis
Beyond pigmentation, perceived age is strongly influenced by the overall appearance of the face. Eurofins C&PC therefore offers a perceived-age assessment model based on:
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Analysis of wrinkles, skin contours and colour,
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A combination of expert human evaluation and 3D image analysis.
Perceived age is then compared with the subject’s actual age, before and after treatment, making it possible to demonstrate a visible and measurable age gain that is directly aligned with the product promise.
3. Assessment of the Skin’s Physiological Age
To go beyond visible signs, Eurofins C&PC also integrates an approach focused on the deeper structure of the skin.
Through microscopic analysis of the skin microrelief (primary and secondary lines, polygonal organisation), the Diagnoskin® method assigns a score from 1 to 10, which is converted into a physiological skin age covering a range from 20 to 65 years.
This approach captures structural improvements that are often invisible to the naked eye, yet essential to demonstrating a global and long-lasting anti-ageing action.
4. Consumer Self-assessment Questionnaire
Finally, because consumer perception remains a key driver of marketing credibility, the ‘age gain’ claim can be reinforced through a self-assessment questionnaire.
This approach makes it possible to:
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Collect direct perceptions of benefits,
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Measure the feeling of skin youthfulness,
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Correlate subjective results with instrumental data.
Combining these dimensions strengthens the scientific robustness of the claim while facilitating its adoption by marketing and communication teams.
A Scientific, Differentiating Claim Supported by Robust and Interpretable Data
By integrating these protocols, Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care offers brands:
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An innovative and quantifiable endpoint,
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A reproducible framework compliant with regulatory requirements,
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A clear and differentiating argument to showcase anti-ageing efficacy.
The ‘age gain’ claim thus emerges as a new generation of efficacy evidence, fully aligned with scientific, marketing and consumer expectations.
