
Join SenzaGen and industry leaders from Clarins and Bic Skin Creative for an in-depth webinar on using GARD® assays for skin sensitization testing.
Learn how this innovative technology overcomes the unique challenges of testing complex Natural Extracts, which often fall outside the scope of traditional methods in OECD 442E Test Guidelines.
Through case studies, we will showcase how GARD® has supported the safety assessment of natural extract-based products, providing reliable solutions for today’s testing needs.
Key learnings and highlights
- Challenges of testing complex natural extracts with conventional methods.
- How the GARD® technology brings new opportunities to the field of skin sensitization.
- Case studies from Clarins and Bic Skin Creative on applying GARD® for natural extract safety assessments.
Agenda and speakers
1. Advancing skin sensitization testing with GARD®: Spotlight on Natural Extracts
Andy Forreryd, PhD
Scientific Liaison @ SenzaGen
Dr Forreryd has many years of experience working with in vitro assay development, genomics and machine learning, engaging in collaborations with industry leaders to investigate novel applications for NAM-based sensitization testing, with the aim to replace the need for animal studies. He is co-developer of the GARDskin assay (OECD TG 442) for the assessment of chemical sensitizers.
2. Safety assessment of raw materials extracted from plants using GARD®
Mylène Landais
Safety Assessor @ Clarins
Mylène Landais is a toxicology expert currently working for the Clarins Group as an ingredient and formulas safety assessment project manager. She holds a master’s degree in toxicology and, with 10 years of experience in the cosmetic industry, mainly works on the safety assessment and risk assessment of finished products and ingredients such as plant extracts and synthetic ingredients.
This role is key to ensure the safety of cosmetic products consumers by using alternative to animal testing methods while complying with the main regulations worldwide and facing new challenges, such as the new Chinese cosmetic regulation.
3. Assessing skin sensitization potential of new skin-binding dyes using the GARD®skin Dose-Response assay
Ian Mallov
Manager of Scientific Research @ Bic Skin Creative
Ian Mallov is manager of scientific research at Bic Skin Creative. Ian grew up in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada and holds a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Toronto. He began as an industrial postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Prof. Chris Caputo at York University with Toronto-based start-up Inkbox Ink. As Inkbox was acquired by Bic, his role shifted to focus on assessing the efficacy and toxicology of derivatives of natural skin-binding dyes. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, running, and ice hockey. Ian lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his wife and six-month-old daughter.
What are Natural Extracts?
Natural extracts are are ingredients derived from natural sources like plants and herbs. They are often classified as UVCBs (Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products, or Biological materials). These complex substances present unique testing challenges and frequently fall outside the applicability domains of conventional in vitro assays included in OECD Test Guideline for skin sensitization assessment.
The webinar will last around 50 minutes, followed by a live Q&A. If you cannot attend the live event, register now to get access to the recording.