FAQs  

Cutest holds the distinction of being the UK's oldest continuously operating Contract Research Organization (CRO) in this field, and globally, it stands as one of the longest established CROs serving the cosmetics, toioletries and dermatology sectors. We were founded by Professor Ronnie Marks, a professor of dermatology and continue to operate to the original principles. Many of the techniques used widely today were developed at Cutest.

All cosmetic tests are carried out on the surface of the skin.  The test area will most usually be the back, the arm or the face.

The studies will be performed by suitably qualified and trained staff.

We employ a Consultant ophthalmologist to supervise any studies near to, or including the eyes.

All studies are carried out under Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and only after receiving ethical approval from an independent board.

We test products that regularly come into contact with the skin for example body creams, face creams, washes, soaps, make-up, fragrances, sunscreen and many more.

There are two main reasons that a skin product may require testing. Firstly, before being launched onto the market it needs to be demonstrated that the product will not cause any skin reaction.

Secondly if the product is making a specific claim, for example ‘moisturising’, ‘suitable for sensitive skin’ or ‘no more tears’, then this must be scientifically proven.

There are a variety of tests available, depending on the product and testing area but as an example, one of our frequently used tests is an ‘Irritancy Test’. This involves wearing small test patches on the back.  These are examined every two or three days for a sign of reaction.  If a skin reaction develops the patch is taken off early. A reaction is like a small patch of eczema and usually disappears in a few days.

Our most common studies last between one day and four weeks, however the duration will vary according to particular project requirements. Some studies can last up to 12 weeks. 

If an adverse skin reaction to a product occurs, our Study Nurses or Dermatologist will discontinue the testing.  The trial can also be discontinued at any time at the volunteer’s request.

 Payment will vary depending on study type, study length and length of appointments. If you would like to know the specific payment amounts for studies, give us a call and ask one of our staff, or check our posts on social media which will tell you how much each study is paying. Payment for studies can take up to 7 working days to appear in your account. If there are any problems give us a call and we can let you know if there is a delay. If you have attended all of your appointments, and completed any tasks such as scanning your product, you will be paid the full amount. If you miss any visits or do not meet the minimum amount of diary entries needed, there will be a deduction to your payment. 

If you are suitable for a certain study then you may be contacted by telephone to see if you are interested in participating, but participation in any trial is entirely voluntary. Alternatively, if you see a study posted on social media that interests you, you can call our clinic and let us know that you would like to join the study. 

Initially you must complete our medical questionnaire, which asks about your health, medical history and personal circumstances. Once these details have reached our staff, you will then be contacted over the phone and booked in for a medical screening with our nurse, which lasts about 40 minutes. They will examine your skin and ask questions about any medication you are taking.  All information collected will be regarded as strictly confidential.

When there is an upcoming study that you are suitable for you will be given written information about the test, and given the time to consider before being asked if you would like to take part. You will also be asked to sign a consent form. You are under no obligation to take part in any test and are free to withdraw from the test panel at any time.

When you come to Cutest for your health screen you must bring with you all current medication. You will also need to bring a form of photo identification with you, such as photo driving license, passport, photo bus pass or a birth certificate.  You may be asked to remove outer clothing for the nurse to check your skin. 

Individuals must be between the ages of 18-75 to join the panel. Sometimes there may be studies for people below the age of 18 so it is important to keep up to date with our social media pages to see if there is an upcoming study you can participate in. 

You cannot take part in any studies if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

If you can no longer attend your appointment, you need to give us a call on 02920 625686, and let our staff know. This is so we can re-arrange your appointment and register on our system that you have not attended. It is important you call us with as much notice as possible so we can try and fit someone else into your timeslot and fit you in somewhere else.

We have a small car park outside our building, however we ask that you only park on the Cutest side, as the other half of the car park is for the building next door. If our car park is full there are usually spaces to park on the road. If you only have a short visit, such as patches and cannot find space in our car park, there are some supermarket car parks near our building which have a 2 hour parking limit. 

If you think you are going to be late for your appointment, please give us a call to let us know in advance. Sometimes if we aren't busy, you may still be able to have your appointment once you arrive, but if we are busy and have lots of volunteers coming in, we may have to fit you in elsewhere. You must ring and let us know otherwise it can cause timing complications for our staff. 

Our clinic is open 9-5 on weekdays and closed on weekends. Sometimes there may be an opportunity to sign up to an evening study during weekdays but this is only on certain occasions.

If your product isn't scanning you can either give us a call, send us a message or come into the clinic and let us know. We can then print off a new QR code for you or send you a link which will take you to the same form as the QR code. Please let us know straight away if you are having problems as it allows us to get it sorted as soon as possible. It also ensures that we don't lose any of your data from missed entries. Multiple missed entries can cause a deduction in payment for non-compliance. 

If you have tattoos, you can still take part in certain studies. However you cannot take part in any studies where you have tattoos on the test site. For example, on a forearm study, you cannot have any tattoos on your forearm.

Any personal and medical details will be stored on a medical record card stored on the premises of Cutest Systems Ltd. In addition, some subject details may be stored on the computer system at Cutest. In this situation the principles of the 1998 Data Protection Act will be adhered to. This legislation governs the protection of personal data in the UK. It is important to note that the information provided will be used to assess your suitability for certain studies. If you are suitable for certain studies then you will be contacted by telephone or post to see if you are interested in participating.

Any information collected during the course of any studies you volunteer in may be looked at by responsible individuals from the Sponsor and Regulatory authorities. In this situation your identity will be protected and you will be known only by test panel number, subject number and/or initials.