Consumer profiling techniques for cosmetic formulation definition

The successful development of a novel cosmetic product depends on sensory perceptions. Successful results using consumer‐profiling techniques involving cosmetic samples with different characteristics have been reported. However, the use of sensory descriptive techniques by consumers for similar cosmetic samples requires further research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of two consumer‐profiling techniques, Intensity Scale and Flash Profile, as instruments for characterization and/or definition of ingredient concentrations in cosmetic formulations. Intensity scales and flash profiling techniques were evaluated in two groups of female consumers. The results showed behavior for the two methods of low consumer consensus and high discrimination of the samples regarding multidimensional aspects. The results indicated that the application of the two descriptive methods with consumers is valid for guiding the definition of the cosmetic formulation, but less effective at detecting smaller differences among formulations. The results also indicated thickness and absorption as being important descriptors of cosmetic emulsions for consumers. Practical Applications The cosmetic industry is expanding and along with this growth, there is a need for ingredients with natural appeal. Since ingredients are developed not only for their perception of effectiveness but for also sensory perception, an alliance between consumers sensory perception and the development of cosmetic products becomes important. Due to a lack of studies of the issue, the present study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of two consumer‐profiling techniques in characterization and/or definition of ingredient concentrations in cosmetic formulations. These results contribute to the advancement of sensory, consumer, and cosmetic science.