Review Articles in Vitro Safety Testing Strategy for Skin Irritation Using the 3d Reconstructed Human Epidermis

One of the most recent trends in skin irritation safety testing of personal care and cosmetic products, discussed in detail in this review, is the use of reconstructed human epidermis models. Some of the commercially-available models have undergone a series of validation trials, which successfully advanced them as valuable tools for industry use. On a broader perspective, the 3D models are now part of the integrated decision-tree testing strategies used in regulatory settings for skin irritation and/or corrosion registration and labeling of newly designed formulations. Furthermore, the reconstructed human epidermis models are also widely used by industry for product development, safety testing, and ranking of personal care and cosmetic products’ irritation potential. Although the specific protocols used for meeting either legislation-driven regulatory safety testing or nonregulatory, industrial safety screening may differ considerably, the in vitro tissue systems and approaches are aligned to meet the newest legislation or corporate policies prohibiting the use of animals for safety testing.