How the microfluidic chip for cosmetic testing is making skin research faster and simpler

Cosmetic testing has undergone significant changes over the years. With growing concerns about animal testing and the need for better, more realistic skin models, scientists are turning to more innovative methods. One of the most discussed solutions today is the microfluidic chip for cosmetic testing in the body. It provides researchers with a method to test skincare and beauty products on real or laboratory-made skin samples, without harming animals.

We’re proud to support this shift through advanced skin-on-chip tools, such as ReleGO™ and REVex™. These platforms are helping labs and companies develop safer and more reliable products by providing real-time insights into how the skin responds.

Here are a few things that make this technology stand out:

1. Works with real and lab-made skin

ReleGO™ and REVex™ support a wide range of skin types—whether it’s human skin samples, lab-grown skin, or synthetic membranes. That means researchers don’t have to rely only on one kind of model. It makes the process more flexible and easier to adapt to different tests. For more details, you can visit medelink.

2. Closer to how real skin works

Unlike flat 2D cultures, skin-on-chip for cosmetic testing in the body can mimic how blood and fluids flow through skin tissue. This makes it easier to track how ingredients interact with the skin over time. For example, it can help identify how a product may affect skin aging or how fast certain ingredients get absorbed.

3. Long testing windows

Most traditional lab models can only run for a short time before the tissue starts to break down. However, with this system, the tissue remains healthy for longer due to the steady flow of nutrients. That means researchers can collect more data, test for longer periods, and require fewer samples.

4. Saves time and money

Using a microfluidic chip for cosmetic testing on the body can lower costs in several ways. It uses less biomaterial, requires fewer technicians, and processes multiple samples simultaneously. Up to 12 different skin samples or membranes can be tested side-by-side. That’s a significant win for any lab trying to reduce time and expenses.

5. Tests more than just skin care

While it’s ideal for cosmetics, the same system can also be used to test tissues such as those found in the oral, nasal, or gut linings. This provides researchers with the opportunity to examine how other parts of the body may respond to the same ingredients.

6. Keeps results consistent

The REVex™ chip utilizes small samples—just 0.5 cm²—making it ideal when obtaining tissue is challenging. You can also use the same donor sample across different tests, which helps maintain more consistent results. Read more about this on the medelink.

We believe more innovative research tools are the future of safe and honest product testing. With the rise of skin-on-chip for cosmetic testing in the body, more labs are making the switch—and getting better results without the usual stress and waste.