Patel Maheshvari N, Patel Nayan, Merja Apeksha
Clinical Research, NovoBliss Research Private Limited, Ahmedabad, IND.
Pharmacology, Swaminarayan University, Ahmedabad, IND.
Cureus. 2025 Jul 14;17(7):e87881. doi: 10.7759/cureus.87881. eCollection 2025 Jul.
The cooling sensation imparted by topical rinse-off formulations, such as facial cleansers, represents a critical sensorial attribute influencing consumer perception and product acceptability. Despite its subjective nature, this effect can be objectively quantified using non-invasive tools such as infrared (IR) thermography and non-contact infrared thermometry. The aim was to develop and internally standardize a reproducible methodology for assessing the immediate cooling effect of rinse-off facial products using IR thermal imaging and non-contact infrared temperature measurement. An exploratory, non-randomized, open-label, crossover evaluation was conducted on 20 healthy male volunteers (aged 22-40 years). Each participant underwent facial skin temperature assessments at three predefined time points: baseline (resting state), post-exercise (to elevate skin temperature physiologically), and immediately after facial cleansing. The test arm involved application of a commercial rinse-off face wash, while the control arm followed cleansing with water only. Facial skin surface temperature was recorded using both a high-resolution IR thermographic camera and a point-based non-contact infrared thermometer. A statistically significant reduction in mean facial skin temperature was observed post-exercise in both the test and control arms, suggesting localized evaporative cooling. Following product application, the test arm demonstrated a more pronounced decrease in temperature compared to the control. Notably, IR thermography captured broader, region-specific thermal variations and greater magnitude of change than non-contact thermometry, which registered only minor point-specific differences. The findings support the feasibility and sensitivity of infrared thermography as a robust, objective technique for evaluating the immediate cooling effects of rinse-off cosmetic products. This internally standardized method may be reliably applied in future clinical research to substantiate thermoregulatory or sensorial efficacy claims associated with topical formulations. Specifically, its application may aid in the comparative assessment of novel cooling agents, guide formulation optimization, and support regulatory submissions or marketing claims related to cooling efficacy in both dermatological and cosmetic product development.
诸如洁面产品等局部冲洗型配方所带来的清凉感，是影响消费者认知和产品可接受性的关键感官属性。尽管这种效果具有主观性，但可以使用红外（IR）热成像和非接触式红外测温等非侵入性工具进行客观量化。目的是开发并在内部标准化一种可重复的方法，用于使用红外热成像和非接触式红外温度测量来评估冲洗型面部产品的即时清凉效果。对20名健康男性志愿者（年龄在22 - 40岁之间）进行了一项探索性、非随机、开放标签、交叉评估。每位参与者在三个预定义时间点进行面部皮肤温度评估：基线（静息状态）、运动后（使皮肤温度生理性升高）以及面部清洁后立即评估。测试组使用一款市售的冲洗型洗面奶，而对照组仅用水清洁。使用高分辨率红外热成像相机和基于点的非接触式红外温度计记录面部皮肤表面温度。在测试组和对照组中，运动后均观察到平均面部皮肤温度有统计学意义的降低，表明存在局部蒸发冷却。使用产品后，测试组的温度下降比对照组更明显。值得注意的是，与仅记录微小的点特异性差异的非接触式测温法相比，红外热成像捕捉到了更广泛的、特定区域的热变化和更大的变化幅度。这些发现支持了红外热成像作为一种强大的客观技术来评估冲洗型化妆品即时清凉效果的可行性和敏感性。这种内部标准化的方法可在未来的临床研究中可靠地应用，以证实与局部配方相关的温度调节或感官功效声明。具体而言，其应用可能有助于新型清凉剂的比较评估、指导配方优化，并支持皮肤病学和化妆品开发中与清凉功效相关的监管申报或市场宣传。
