A team of researchers from Swiss-based company Data Mining International SA, supported by the L’Oréal group, has developed an instrument to measure the quality of life (QOL) and to assess the impact of cosmetics. The main outlines of this research have been published in the latest issue of the review Archives of Dermatology [1].
This new instrument was named “BeautyQol” and has been tested on 3231 subjects in 13 countries in the world representing 16 languages [2] in order to confirm the validity and reliability of the measure. Actually, it provides one overall QOL score, as well as five sub-scores according to five key dimensions of QOL: Social life, Self confidence, Mood, Energy and Attractiveness.
"The positive impact of cosmetics on self esteem and well-being has been well-known since the Antique period, but this is the first time we are able to scientifically measure this impact on the key dimensions of Quality of Life. This new instrument will allow numerous comparative research according to populations, products and situations," explains Dr Ariel Beresniak, MD, MPH, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Data Mining International.
Pilot application studies have been carried out to assess the impact in QOL of pigmentary disorders, camouflage products, oily skins, hair colour, make up, etc.
"This research will allow a growing body of evidence about the value of cosmetic products. This is the reason why the BeautyQol instrument is going to become a gold standard in perceived effectiveness assessment," adds Yolaine de Linares, Director of the Department of Social and Innovation Prospective Research, L’Oréal, co-author of the study and moderator of the BeautyQol international scientific committee.
The BeautyQol instrument is going to be adapted to more countries in order to better assess cultural differences in the use of cosmetic products.
