The use of reconstructed human epidermis EPISKIN™ in the assessment of local tolerance of cosmetics and chemicals

Abstract

Models of reconstructed human skin provide useful tools for both basic research and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of dermato-cosmetological products. They can provide alternative models to replace human and animal experiments. However, their use requires confidence in their reproducibility and similarity of the results obtained as compared to in vivo experiments. Their morphology, architecture and properties must be as close as possible to human skin. The present paper reviews the results obtained on the EPISKIN™ model through characterisation of the model, reproducibility studies and multicentre studies or (pre)validations.