ChemSkin Reference Chemical Database for the Development of an In Vitro Skin Irritation Test

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Dermatology
• Chemical Safety

Background:

• The European Union banned animal testing for cosmetics in 2013, driving research into alternative in vitro safety tests.
• High-quality reference chemicals with reliable in vivo data are crucial for developing and validating new in vitro test methods.
• Existing databases may lack comprehensive data or suitable chemicals for evaluating skin irritation tests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile a comprehensive reference chemical database (ChemSkin DB) for the development and evaluation of in vitro skin irritation tests.
• To curate a selection of 100 chemicals with quality in vivo data from extensive literature searches.
• To provide essential data including in vivo Draize scores and UN GHS/EU CLP classifications.

Main Methods:

• Literature searches over 20 years identified 317 potential chemicals from various sources.
• Chemicals were filtered based on data quality, availability, handling safety, cost, and classification consistency.
• The final database (ChemSkin DB) includes 100 selected chemicals with supporting references, in vivo data, and commercial sources.

Main Results:

• The ChemSkin DB contains 100 curated chemicals essential for in vitro skin irritation test development.
• Data includes in vivo Draize scores and UN GHS/EU CLP classifications for the selected chemicals.
• Comparison with OECD Test No. 439 results identified discrepancies and areas for improvement in in vitro testing.

Conclusions:

• The ChemSkin DB serves as a valuable resource for developing and validating new in vitro skin irritation tests.
• This database can help identify false predictions and differences between various in vitro methods.
• ChemSkin DB supports the ongoing transition from animal testing to reliable in vitro alternatives in cosmetic safety assessment.