Glossary
Ever wondered what clinical testing really means? Or the real difference between natural and organic? You’re in the right place. This glossary cuts through the marketing noise with clear definitions. Because at Lumessentials, we believe the first step to conscious skincare is understanding. Consider this your essential reference for navigating cosmetic claims and making informed, confident choices – wherever you shop.
Dermatologically tested means the final product formula was evaluated in a clinical safety study involving human participants, conducted under the supervision of a dermatologist. The study followed a controlled protocol (such as a repeat insult patch test) to assess skin compatibility and confirm a very low risk of irritation.
Dermatologically tested is not a legally defined term. Companies are not required to perform it to sell their products. Companies may decide to pay to have it conducted, and then they can make the dermatologically tested claim in their marketing materials.
Clinically tested indicates that the product’s efficacy—its ability to deliver specific, measurable skin benefits—has been evaluated in a controlled study involving human participants. Unlike dermatological testing, which focuses on safety, clinical testing measures quantifiable performance outcomes such as hydration levels, wrinkle depth, elasticity, or brightness, providing evidence that the product works as claimed.
Simple analogy:
- Dermatologically tested = “This product is unlikely to harm your skin”
- Clinically tested = “This product is proven to improve your skin as claimed”
Why the confusion?
Many brands conduct a clinical safety study (which is, technically, a type of clinical test for safety) and label it dermatologically tested. However, a robust “clinically tested” claim should involve separate studies measuring specific performance outcomes.
Demand more from brands claiming clinically tested products. Often, these claims are not backed by the actual tests, but unfortunately, specific regulations do not protect consumers equally in all parts of the world.
Here’s a quick recap to make things crystal clear:
| Term | Primary focus | What it typically means | Common test type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatologically tested | Safety and compatibility | The finished product has been tested on human skin, under dermatological supervision, to assess its potential to cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. It confirms the product is safe and gentle for skin contact. | Repeat Insult Patch Test (RIPT), Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT), under a dermatologist’s oversight. |
| Clinically tested | Efficacy and performance | The finished product has been tested in a controlled clinical study to measure its effectiveness in delivering specific, claimed benefits (e.g., “increases hydration by 20%,” “reuces the appearance of fine lines”). It confirms the product works as advertised. | Consumer perception studies, instrumental measurements (e.g., corneometry for hydration, visioface for wrinkles), often conducted by a third-party lab or research clinic. |
Our approach to testing dermatologically and clinically
We at Lumessentials paid a third party to conduct a dermatological test on sensitive skin. The test confirmed that our products are safe and gentle for all types of skin, including sensitive skin. That is why we’re making “dermatologically tested on sensitive skin” claim on our products and website.
On the other hand, we did not conduct clinical trials. Clinical trials that prove a finished formula’s efficacy are scientifically valuable, but they are also extremely expensive and resource-intensive. This creates a significant barrier, often reserving such testing for large corporations with vast budgets. As a small, self-funded brand, we don’t have the capacity to fund such trials at the moment. Instead, we have chosen to invest our capital differently: directly into superior, ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging, not into costly proprietary clinical trials.
We build on a mountain of existing science. Every key active ingredient in our formulas—such as ceramides, vitamin C, and natural moisturizing factors—has been selected for its extensive, peer-reviewed clinical history. Independent, published research already confirm their safety and measurable benefits for skin health.
Our formulation philosophy is one of intelligent minimalism. We combine these clinically-validated ingredients at effective concentrations in stable, synergistic formulas. We trust the foundational science and focus our innovation on creating responsible products that are as good for the planet as they are for your skin.
Emollients soften, smooth, and condition the skin’s surface by filling in the gaps between skin cells. Emollients improve the skin’s texture and flexibility, creating a smooth, supple feel and helping to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier.
Many emollients, especially oils and butters, also act as occlusives. This is because their chemical structure allows them to form a protective, hydrophobic (water-repelling) film on the skin’s surface. This dual action softens the skin and helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), making them key for both immediate comfort and long-term hydration.
Find examples of emollients in our Ingredients dictionary.
In full compliance with the stringent EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, every Lumessentials product is backed by a mandatory Product Safety Report. This includes comprehensive stability and preservative efficacy testing, and a final safety approval signed by a qualified safety assessor. Our commitment to safety is foundational, not optional.”