Walk through any Indian store's personal care aisle and you'll see 'Dermatologically Tested' on countless products. It sounds reassuring — like doctors have verified the product is safe. But what does this claim actually mean under Indian regulations?
What the claim actually means
'Dermatologically Tested' simply means the product was tested on human skin at some point. It doesn't specify the results of that testing, the sample size, or whether the testing was conducted by independent labs.
A product can be 'dermatologically tested' even if 20% of test subjects experienced irritation — as long as the testing occurred.
What it doesn't guarantee
- •The product won't cause irritation or allergic reactions
- •The testing was conducted by dermatologists (vs general lab technicians)
- •The sample size was statistically significant
- •The test results were favorable
- •The testing was done by an independent laboratory
What to look for instead
Rather than relying on vague claims, consider looking for products that provide specific information about their testing protocols, or that carry certifications from recognized bodies.
- •Full ingredient disclosure (INCI list)
- •Specific claims like 'tested on X subjects for Y weeks'
- •Third-party certifications from recognized bodies
- •Transparent information about testing methodology
The absence of 'Dermatologically Tested' doesn't mean a product is unsafe — and its presence doesn't guarantee safety. Focus on ingredient transparency instead.