Petra Huber

Sensory Measurement—Evaluation and Testing of Cosmetic Products

Sensory benefits have a high impact on consumer product choice. During the last few years, experts have observed sensory impressions as the new “consumer exciter.” The scientific discipline of sensory analysis describes the relationship between products (ingredients) and their perception and evaluation by the human senses. Sensory-testing methods represent important tools which enable issues associated with the development, quality assurance, marketing, and sales departments to be addressed. After a short introduction to the sensorial fundamentals, classical measurement methods (either subjective or objective) are presented in this chapter. General factors that influence sensory-test methods are discussed and reference made to the latest methods. A future outlook will talk about a multisensory approach and the advantage about predictive models by instrumental data modeling. Sensory-testing capabilities need to be enhanced to continue to support the cosmetics industry in its development of competence in sensory methodology, so that sensory understanding can be utilized to create value for both the consumer and the cosmetics industry.