HET-CAM test. Application to shampoos in developing countries

The use of in vitro methods for the control of cosmetic products in developing countries must overcome cost, feasibility and an unfavourable regulatory environment. Among these products, shampoos occupy an important part of the market but present a number of risks related to their use like eye irritation. The aim of this work is to propose the HET-CAM test as a method of screening the risk of eye irritation of shampoos, adapting it to the technical and regulatory conditions of a developing country such as Algeria. 6 locally produced shampoos (4 adults and 2 for babies) were tested at 100%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, 2.5% and 1.5%. The use of a 10% dilution classifies the baby and adult shampoos in two different categories of irritation. A benchmark approach can be applied using this concentration to evaluate the ocular irritative risk of adult and baby shampoos in developing countries. •HET-CAM test is a well-adapted method of screening the risk of eye irritation of shampoos.•The use of a 10% dilution classifies the baby and adult shampoos in two different categories of irritation.•A benchmark approach can be applied to evaluate the ocular irritative risk of adult and baby shampoos in developing countries.