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Why texture and sensory analysis are essential

Texture is key. Responsible for triggering different sensations and reactions, texture is truly the charm card, the major contributor to consumer seduction. The initial impression of the texture is what influences consumers’ choice of personal care products. The long-term appreciation upon use is what makes the consumer faithful to a cosmetic product.

The texture also plays a significant role in the perception of efficacy. Finally, it can also actively contribute to increase skin benefit, with so-called smart textures that possess inner biological activity, for example moisturising properties.

The role of sensory analysis in cosmetics

As sensory impression plays an important role in the consumer’s purchase behaviour, it is essential to be able to identify and describe the sensory properties of a cosmetic product.

Sensory analysis is a scientific discipline used to measure, analyse and interpret the characteristics of a product as they are perceived by the five senses.

It is helpful during the formulation step to evaluate the influence of a raw material, choose between several formulas, compare a formula with a referent product or fit with a marketing brief. It allows to obtain a full sensory profile of a cosmetic product, a kind of sensory identity card.

Sensory analysis 

Gattefossé attaches great importance to the sensorial evaluation of its products and formulas and has been developing its expertise in sensory analysis since 1996. Gattefossé created its own group of trained panellists, composed of a dozen experts, using analytical methods to sensorially characterise the products with precision and reproducibility. They follow a specific protocol and a standardised procedure and apply a statistical interpretation.

They can accurately assess the physical and sensorial properties of any product and translate these impressions into objective data, regardless of whether they are evaluating  Gattefossé's own formulas or other products on the market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coU5D5yXAio

At Gattefossé, sensory analysis is used to evaluate the influence of raw materials in a formula, determine the main sensory characteristics of our emulsifiers and texturising agents, compare a prototype with another or a benchmark, understand market preferences and constitute an internal texture database.

The products are evaluated following specific steps and criteria. It starts with a visual evaluation, before measuring the behaviour of the product at first touch, then during application and finally, after absorption. Here are how these criteria are evaluated by these trained panelists:

First touch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUXg9m2doz4

During application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWvboA4wLq4

After absorption: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8qLYyTMQtc

This expertise in sensory analysis also enabled Gattefossé to go further in understanding the influence of climate or the impact of layering on sensory perception.

See more about Gattefossé

Upcoming Events

in-cosmetics Global

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
16th – 18th April 2024

NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2024

Javits Center, New York
1st - 2nd May 2024

9th Anti-Ageing Skin Care Conference

Royal College of Physicians, London
25th - 26th June 2024

in-cosmetics Korea 2024

Hall C, Coex, Seoul, South Korea
24th - 26th July 2024

in-cosmetics Latin America 2024

São Paulo, Brazil
25th - 26th September 2024

IFSCC 2024

Recanto das Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
14th - 17th October 2024

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Upcoming Events

in-cosmetics Global

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
16th – 18th April 2024

NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2024

Javits Center, New York
1st - 2nd May 2024

9th Anti-Ageing Skin Care Conference

Royal College of Physicians, London
25th - 26th June 2024

in-cosmetics Korea 2024

Hall C, Coex, Seoul, South Korea
24th - 26th July 2024

in-cosmetics Latin America 2024

São Paulo, Brazil
25th - 26th September 2024

IFSCC 2024

Recanto das Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
14th - 17th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Personal Care Magazine on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Personal Care Magazine app from your device's App store

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