EEMCO Guidance for the in vivo Assessment of Skin Greasiness

The document from 2000 provides guidance on the assessment of skin greasiness and sebum excretion, detailing various methods and parameters for measurement. It recommends a combination of clinical evaluation and quantitative methods, such as solvent extraction, cigarette paper pads, photometric assessment, bentonite clay, and lipid-sensitive tapes, to measure sebum casual level, excretion rate, and replacement time. The document highlights the use of devices like the Sebumeter® and Lipometer®, as well as the importance of considering factors like skin temperature, hydration, and hormonal influences that can affect sebum excretion. It also discusses the relationship between skin greasiness and conditions like acne and androgenetic alopecia, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodological designs and controlled conditions to obtain credible data. The document underscores the complexity of sebum excretion, influenced by age, gender, individual factors, and chronobiological variations, and its relevance for the management of skin conditions and the development of skincare products.