In Vitro Evaluation for Skin Toxicity

Abstract

To assess skin toxicity such as skin corrosion, skin irritation, phototoxicity, skin sensitization, and photo-sensitization, many in vitro test methods have been approved as test guidelines by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Depending on the regulatory framework and the classification system in use, the test guidelines are useful in assessing the corrosivity and skin irritancy of test substances as alternatives to in vivo testing, either as a stand-alone test or within a tiered testing strategy. On the other hand, these test guidelines are not suitable as stand-alone alternatives to in vivo testing for determining the skin sensitization potential of test substances. As one of the strategies, Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) provides a means for combining information from multiple sources when performing hazard identification, hazard characterization, or safety assessment of chemicals.