The cosmetics market is increasingly competitive, while consumers and regulators are paying greater attention to product claims supported by scientific data. A cosmetic product not only needs appropriate manufacturing quality but may also benefit from evidence of performance and safety when used by people.

Clinical research on cosmetics is the process of evaluating product performance and safety in volunteers under real-world conditions of use or a standardized study design. Studies use scientific methods, applicable biomedical research ethics and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles where appropriate, together with dermatological assessments and statistical analysis to generate objective and reliable evidence.

Clinical research can evaluate cosmetic outcomes such as moisturization, skin brightness, the appearance of wrinkles, elasticity, acne-related appearance, sebum levels, signs of aging, skin soothing, or skin-barrier function. Studies can also assess tolerability, irritation, and adverse reactions during use. Cosmetic claims should remain within the product's regulatory category and be supported by the actual study design and results.

In the cosmetics industry, scientific evidence is increasingly important for building consumer trust and strengthening brand value. Clinical research can translate product-performance claims into measurable data, supporting product development and transparent communication.

For businesses manufacturing and marketing cosmetics, clinical research can provide practical value:

• Substantiate product performance with scientific data collected from users.
• Evaluate safety, tolerability, and irritation risk under real-world conditions of use.
• Support the development of scientific documentation for product development and management.
• Strengthen brand credibility with consumers, professionals, and partners.
• Improve the quality of communications through evidence-based claims that accurately reflect the study findings.
• Support research and development (R&D), formulation improvement, and optimization of product performance.
• Create differentiation in premium, specialized, and technology-enabled cosmetic segments when supported by appropriate evidence.
• Support international market access where scientific evidence of product performance is requested or useful.

Depending on product characteristics and business objectives, the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam designs appropriate study models to generate scientifically and practically useful data.

Efficacy Study

Evaluates changes in relevant skin, hair, or scalp parameters using objective measurements and appropriate clinical assessments aligned with the intended cosmetic claims.

Commonly assessed parameters include:

• Skin hydration.
• Skin elasticity.
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
• Sebum level.
• Skin pigmentation and brightness.
• Wrinkle appearance and skin firmness.
• Pore appearance or measured pore size.
• Acne-related skin condition or appearance, as appropriate to the study objective.
• Skin redness and sensitivity.
• Hair and scalp condition.

Safety Study

Evaluates product tolerability and monitors undesirable reactions during use.

Studies may include:

• Skin irritation assessment.
• Tolerability assessment.
• Monitoring of adverse reactions.
• Safety monitoring during longer-term use.

Safety & Efficacy Study

Assesses product performance and safety together, helping businesses build a more comprehensive dataset for product development and responsible communication.

Consumer Use Study

Evaluates user satisfaction with product characteristics such as texture, fragrance, absorption, skin feel, and perceived performance after a defined period of use.

Post-Marketing Clinical Study

Monitors product performance and safety under real-world conditions after market launch, providing data that may support product improvement and brand development.

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam conducts cosmetic clinical research using a standardized process designed to support scientific rigor, transparency, and data traceability.

1. Receive the research request and define the study objectives.
2. Design the study protocol and select appropriate assessment criteria.
3. Obtain research ethics review in accordance with applicable requirements, where required.
4. Recruit volunteers according to predefined study criteria.
5. Conduct the study and monitor product use according to the protocol.
6. Collect, manage, and quality-control the data.
7. Perform statistical analysis and interpret results using appropriate scientific methods.
8. Prepare the study report and support appropriate use of the data in product documentation, communications, and market-development activities.

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam provides cosmetic clinical research services focused on generating practically useful scientific evidence, enabling businesses to build a data foundation for product development and responsible brand communication.

We support businesses throughout the research process through:

• Research strategy consulting aligned with the cosmetic category and product-development objectives.
• Study design using evidence-based principles and appropriate modern research methods.
• Access to a diverse volunteer network to support different study criteria.
• A multidisciplinary team with expertise relevant to dermatology, clinical medicine, pharmacy, biostatistics, and clinical research.
• Data-management and statistical-analysis processes designed to support accuracy, transparency, and traceability.
• Support in translating study results into scientific documentation, professional materials, and evidence-based communications that remain consistent with the actual findings.

Each cosmetic clinical study conducted by the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam is intended to generate reliable, objective, and practically useful scientific evidence. We support businesses from study design through reporting and appropriate use of the resulting data, while recognizing that outcomes may be positive, neutral, mixed, or unfavorable and that commercial claims must remain consistent with the evidence and applicable regulations.