What “Dermatologically Tested” Really Means
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Why Skin Testing Matters for Everyday Products
You might not think about your skin unless something itches or feels uncomfortable. Most of us assume products we use, like moisturisers or nasal strips, are safe. But what does “dermatologically tested” really mean?
It means the product has been checked to see how it interacts with skin. It does not mean it is perfect. It does mean experts have looked closely at how it feels and whether it can cause irritation.
Let’s take a closer look at how this testing works. You will see what happens, what experts watch for, and what the results can tell you.
Products Tested
We have tested a range of our nasal strips and mouth tape to check for skin reactions. The tested products include:
Nasal strips
• Large beige nasal strips
• Medium beige nasal strips
• Large black nasal strips
• Medium black nasal strips
• Large pink nasal strips
• Medium pink nasal strips
Mouth tape
• Pink mouth tape
• Black mouth tape
• Beige mouth tape
These products have all been patch tested to make sure they stay comfortable on the skin and have a low risk of irritation.
How Skin Works
Your skin has layers. Each layer does a job.
The outer layer is the epidermis. It acts as a shield. It keeps water in and germs out. Most skin testing looks at this layer.
The epidermis has smaller layers inside it. There is the stratum corneum which is the tough outer layer. The stratum lucidum is a thin clear layer found in thicker skin. The stratum granulosum is where cells start to flatten. The stratum spinosum is where cells connect and form structure. The stratum basale is the base where new cells are made.
Tests focus on the epidermis because it is the first place reactions usually show up. If something causes irritation or redness, it will appear here first.
A Brief History of the Patch Test
The patch test has been around since 1895. A doctor called Joseph Jadassohn created it to check for allergic reactions safely. He called it a Functional Skin Examination.
The method has changed little since then. It is still used to see if a product can irritate the skin or trigger an immune response. This is done in a controlled way to reduce risk.
This testing helps make sure products are safe to use. It is not about proving a product is perfect. It is about checking that it does not cause harm.
How a Patch Test Works
Here is what happens during a patch test.
First, a patch holds the product against the skin. In this case, a clear film patch called allergEAZE® clear Skin Patch Test Chamber was used. It keeps the product in place without irritating the skin by itself.
Next, small samples are prepared. Solid products like nasal strips are punched into 8-millimetre pieces. This keeps the amount applied the same for everyone.
The patch is applied to healthy, untreated skin. The back is often used because it is less sensitive than other areas. The room is clean, cool, and well-lit.
A control is used. Distilled water is applied to a separate patch. This helps experts tell if a reaction is caused by the product or by the patch itself.
The patch stays on for 24 hours. The first reading is 30 to 60 minutes after removal. Other readings happen at 48 and 72 hours.
Multiple readings help experts see if reactions appear slowly or fade over time.
How Reactions Are Interpreted
Experts look for patterns in the reactions.
If the redness grows or stays the same, it may be an allergic reaction.
If it fades over time, it is more likely to be an irritative reaction.
These patterns help experts understand whether a reaction is caused by the product or is just a temporary irritation.
The 10 Percent Rule
There is a simple rule for passing the test.
If ten percent or more of participants show a product-related reaction, the product does not pass.
A product that fails cannot be labelled as dermatologically tested.
This rule helps keep testing realistic. A few people may react to almost anything. What matters is whether reactions are common enough to be a concern.
The Grading Scale
The specialists used a scale from 0 to 3 to judge reactions.
0 means no reaction
1 is a weakly positive reaction
2 is moderately positive
3 is strongly positive
Every single one of the 30 subjects received a grade of 0 for every part of the tested products. This includes the beige front, black front, pink front, and the adhesive side. All assessment points at 24, 48, and 72 hours showed no reaction.
Who Oversees the Study
Patch tests are managed by professionals.
Dermatologists and study managers watch over the process. They follow strict steps and checklists.
In this study the team included Dr Werner Voss, Dr Katja Adames, and Dr Imke Göllner.
Everything is documented and reviewed to make sure the test is done properly.
Safety and Standards
Testing follows rules to protect participants and ensure results are valid.
The testing centre was externally monitored by TÜV Rheinland and follows ISO 9001:2015 standards. This keeps processes consistent.
Participant information is treated carefully. Names are removed or replaced with codes before data is shared. This follows GDPR rules.
Products are also checked against European regulations, including rules for medical devices and cosmetics.
These checks make sure products are safe and that labels are truthful.
What This Means for You
When a product says dermatologically tested, it has been checked carefully. For our nasal strips and mouth tape, this means experts have looked closely at how your skin reacts.
Testing observes how skin responds over time. It is based on real reactions. Passing the test shows that our nasal strips and mouth tape are very unlikely to cause irritation when used normally.
You can use this information to make practical choices about which strips or tape feel comfortable and safe for your skin.