Microwave corneosurfametry and the short-duration dansyl chloride extraction test for rating concentrated irritant surfactants

Background: There are ethical concerns to conduct in vivo tests in the anim al and human to provide evidence that cosmetics and other topical products are safe. Objective: To compare two methods, namely the short-duration dans yl chloride extraction test and the microwave corneosurfametry bioassay, to test the irritation potential of concentrated surfactant systems. Methods: Five surfactants and water were tested using the in vivo test and the bioa ssay. Results: A significant linear correlation was found between data yiel ded by the two procedures. Conclusion: The short-duration dansyl chloride e xtraction test and the microwave corneosurfametry bioassay provide similar information. The latter has the advantage of being safe. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.