As the population across the globe ages, so to does the demand for anti aging creams. There is a requirement to verify the performance of these creams but there are also interesting developments within the creams themselves, which include the use of “nanoparticles”. Cosmetic manufacturers spend vast amounts of money in R&D on new cosmetic products, which are aimed at improving appearance. Along with safety testing, cosmetic manufacturers need to provide quantitative data on the performance of these cosmetic creams and lotions.

Although microscopes can provide visual information they are often insufficient for the detailed analysis required. Typically anti ageing cream analysis amounts to analysing a skin sample before and after the application of the cream. Usually replicas of the surface are used, as it is not feasible to measure the actual substrates involved.