Researchers Develop Tool to Test Textural Characteristics of Sunscreen

The development of ANN, used to test textual and sensory characteristics of cosmetics, was found by researchers to be an effective method of measurement.
The development of ANN, used to test textual and sensory characteristics of cosmetics, was found by researchers to be an effective method of measurement.

Researchers funded by J&J and other companies in Brazil, have developed an artificial neural network (ANN) for analyzing textural and sensory characteristics of cosmetic products. Findings were reported in the journal Sensory Studies.

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According to the publication abstract, the study correlates sensory perception and predictive simulations. Utilizing 39 sunscreen samples sourced from across the globe, "experimental textural analyses considered spreadability, back extrusion and tackiness." The researches completed tests with 325 panelists in regions where the sunscreens were sourced with 14 attributes analyzed.

"The correlation between the predictive simulations and sensory tests showed precision of 60–84% for the majority of attributes," the abstract noted. "Few attributes showed correlation in the range of 37–60%. This study shows as a practical application a model to estimate consumer acceptance of sunscreen products using ANN and experimental textural results."

The report implies that ANN could be used to predict consumer satisfaction of cosmetic products not yet introduced to the market.

The article is available to read for a fee.

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