The Effect of Cosmetic Face Care Products on Facial Skin Tone and Spot Brightening

This is a randomized, blinded, 5 cell, full-face study designed to evaluate changes in even skin tone, skin glow, pigmented spots and the surface microbiome of facial skin following the use of one of five cosmetic face care products. This study will accept up to 50 participants per cell (250 participants overall) who meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria to ensure that at least 40 participants per cell complete the study. Participants will be randomised to receive one of the five cosmetic face care products which will be applied to the whole face using a defined protocol.

If accepted onto the study, all participants will be provided with a marketed face wash to use for one week prior to the baseline visit and throughout the whole study.

Visual and instrumental assessments of skin colour, skin glow and even tone will be conducted throughout the duration of the study (12 weeks product use and 6 weeks regression). Non-invasive skin surface samples will be collected at several timepoints for evaluation of the skin microbiome.

Inclusion criteria

• Female adult participants in general good health as determined from a recent medical history.
• Participants in the age group of 20-45 years (both ages inclusive).
• Participants having Fitzpatrick photo-type III-V.
• Participants with at least 3 spots on the cheek either of PIH post acne/age related
• Participants not presenting any skin condition that may interfere with the assessment for the entire study duration.
• Participants free of excessive hair, acne, cuts, abrasions, fissures, wounds, lacerations, or any other active skin conditions on the face
• Participant who agrees not to use any other product/treatment/home remedy/serum on their face during the study period other than the study product.
• Participants who agree to remove all jewellery on/around face (e.g., necklace, earrings, nose ring), during imaging.
• Participants willing to give a voluntary written informed consent and photography release.
• Participants willing to abide by and comply with the study protocol.
• Participants able to read, understand and sign an appropriate informed consent form indicating her willingness to participate.
• Participants willing and capable to follow the study rules and a fixed schedule.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants who are currently participating in a similar study or have participated in a similar study in the past 6 weeks.
• Participants with any other signs of significant local irritation, erythema, or skin disease on skin.
• Participants having chronic illness or who have undergone major surgery in the last year that may be clinically relevant or can impact the results as determined by the dermatologist.
• Participants undergoing treatment for any skin condition.
• Participants allergic or sensitive to bar cleansing products, creams/lotions, artificial jewellery or anything else.
• Participants with self-perceived pimple prone and/or sensitive skin.
• Participants taking any oral antibiotic medication currently or within the last 8 weeks.
• Participants taking medication continuously/regularly every day such as corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, topically for four weeks or orally for eight weeks prior to the study.
• Female participant pregnant/breast feeding or planning pregnancy during the study period (self-declared)
• Participants taking product/treatment for any condition which the Investigator believes may influence the interpretation of the data.
• Participants currently taking any medication, which the investigator believes may influence the interpretation of the data.