Facial cleansing wipes: A predictive model between consumer perception and in vitro lab measurements for rapid prototype screening

Product development teams frequently develop many prototypes for screening before launching into the marketplace. Gaining customer feedback on each prototype is impossible because of constraints, such as tight timelines, budget, etc. For innovation in facial cleansing/makeup remover wipes, a design of experiments study was conducted to help the team optimize the product based on consumer feedback of prototypes. A predictive model based on consumer results and in vitro lab measurements for the makeup remover wipes was developed that could aid in future reformulation efforts of the textile base as well as the “juice” or lotion add-on. A consumer design of experiments study was conducted on 18 prototypes to help optimize the variables. Makeup remover wipe users and wipe considerers ( n = 963) from the United States and the United Kingdom participated in the study. In vitro lab measurements were also conducted on the same 18 prototypes covering relevant attributes. Partial least square regression was applied with a cross-validation procedure to build a predictive model between the in vitro and consumer research results. Scatter plots between consumer and in vitro lab results showed good directional trends between consumer perception and lab method on cleansing properties, softness, and gentleness. Model equations were developed for those measures. Future validation is needed prior to implementation. The validated model will enable use of in vitro results to predict consumer ratings for prototype screening. The predictive model can provide a quick and efficient way for facial cleansing/makeup remover wipe prototype screening, which will conserve resources and improve efficiency for the business.