RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application derives priority from New Zealand patent application number 782559 filed on 22 November 2021 with WIPO DAS code A46D and New Zealand patent application number 787213 filed on 13 April 2022 with WIPO DAS code FC66, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Described herein is a test system, method of testing and a related test kit for use in the test system and method. More specifically, a test system and a method of testing is described for testing consumer sensitivity to personal care products and treatments. Test kits used to test the personal care products are also described.

BACKGROUND ART

In the personal care product sector, many products are produced with widely varying ingredients and uses. Regulatory oversight for cosmetic or personal care products may be relatively light compared to other fields such as medicines and foods. Perhaps as a consequence of lower regulation, personal care products come in many different forms and comprise many variations of ingredients and compounds therein.

The issue of consumer sensitivity and reactions to personal care products is becoming more prominent. Partly this is a reaction to consumers wanting to avoid products or ingredients with negative associations such as those comprising petrochemical based compounds. Partly as well, this may be due to an increased awareness that personal care products can cause negative consumer reactions from relatively minor skin irritation through to severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis and even death. Curiously too, people that have had Covidl9 are reporting sensitivities to products that, until they contracted Covidl9, had never been an issue. This leads to a conclusion that the Covidl9 infection has somehow changed the way the person’s immune system works and what it may tolerate at least in terms of personal care products. Some countries are now responding to this increased risk and, the United Kingdom for example, have recently mandated patch testing of a consumer prior to completing a hair dye treatment.

Regulators have let manufacturers pass on the responsibility around consumer sensitivity. For most personal care products, the manufacturer has discharged their responsibility by only labelling their products with the key ingredients and, in some cases, providing recommendations around the consumer completing patch testing prior to the intended use. The burden of testing rests with the consumer or retailers and service providers that use the personal care products. Despite this, many personal care products contain numerous compounds known to cause adverse reactions in some people e.g. hydrogen peroxide, ethanolamine, ammonia, resorcinol and ammonium hydroxide for example.

Retailers and service providers selling or using these products, such as hair salons and beauty specialist providers, struggle to comply with the manufacturer’s instructions in many cases. Reasons for low compliance in terms of testing may be due to the perceived low frequency of adverse reactions and/or the lower severity of such reactions. More likely is the fact that such service providers simply lack the time and resource to complete a routine consumer testing service. In addition, manufacturing samples of products to be tested and managing a test regime go well beyond the scope of what retailers or service providers in personal care have time or knowledge to implement. Many are smaller providers and hence lack the scale needed to provide a test service.

It therefore may be useful to provide a test system, method of testing and test kit that could be used by retailers, service providers and consumers to increase the level of compliance with manufacturers recommendations and, not detract from the retailer or service providers' normal daily activities.

Further aspects and advantages of the test system, method of testing and a related test kit for use in the test system and method will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a test system, method of testing and test kit that may be used by a retailer, service provider or consumer to test consumer sensitivity to a particular personal care product.

In a first aspect, there is provided a test system configured to test for consumer sensitivity to a personal care product, the test system comprising: a retailer or service provider that sells or uses the personal care product on the consumer; the consumer to whom the personal care product will be used; a test provider; and a test kit; wherein: the retailer or service provider receives consumer details and provides these consumer details and their personal care product details to the test provider in advance of an appointment to use the personal care product on the consumer; the test provider provides a test kit comprising a sample of the personal care product proposed to be used by the retailer or service provider to the consumer along with test equipment and instructions for use; and the consumer topically applies the sample of the personal care product using the test kit to their skin to check for any signs post application of a consumer sensitivity to the personal care product, a measured consumer sensitivity then sent to the test provider, or retailer or service provider, or both the test provider and the retailer or service provider.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of testing the sensitivity of a consumer to a personal care product, the test comprising the steps of: providing a test kit comprising a sample of the personal care product to a consumer; topically applying the sample of the personal care product using the test kit on skin of the consumer; testing for sensitivity by the consumer to the sample post application.

In a third aspect, there is provided a test kit comprising: a sample of the personal care product, the sample located in packaging wherein the packaging or a part thereof is transparent to allow the consumer to see the sample and to mould or move the sample within the packaging; a test template with at least one opening through which the sample is applied to skin of the consumer; and instructions for use of the test kit.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a test system configured to test for consumer sensitivity to a hair dye product, the test system comprising: a hair salon that sells or uses the hair dye product on the consumer; the consumer on whom the hair dye product will be used; a test provider; and a test kit; wherein: the hair salon receives consumer details and provides these consumer details and their hair dye product details to the test provider in advance of an appointment to dye the hair of the consumer; the test provider provides a test kit comprising a sample of the hair dye product proposed to be used by the hair salon to the consumer; the consumer topically applies a sample of the hair dye product using the test kit to their skin to check for any signs of sensitivity to the hair dye sample post application, the consumer sending their findings to the test provider and/or hair salon.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided the use of the test kit substantially as described above in the manufacture of a test system for the presence or otherwise of a consumer sensitivity to a personal care product.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a test kit comprising a sachet, the sachet comprising: a control compartment and a test compartment wherein the control compartment and the test compartment are linked structurally but are not fluidly connected; the control compartment of the sachet comprises a control substance and the test compartment comprises test substances; the test compartment is divided into first and further separate portions that are fluidly linked about at least one obstruction between the first and further separate portions of the test compartment so as to cause fluid in the first and further portions to move via a tortious path from the first separate portion to the further separate portion; and the sachet is manufactured from a malleable material configured to allow the consumer to hand mix of the test substances in the first and further separate portions together.

Advantages of the above test system, method of testing and a related test kit for use in the test system and method may lie in providing a simple and easy test system to allow compliance with manufacturers recommendations and to increase consumer confidence and safety in the retailers and service providers using the test system. Further advantages should become apparent from the further description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the test system, method of testing and a related test kit for use in the test system and method will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a flow diagram to show a potential test system according to a first example;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic instruction sheet used by a consumer to test for a sensitivity to a hair dye product;

Figure 3 illustrates test kit components that may be included in a test kit according to one example;

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative example of test kit, this figure showing a sachet and clip;

Figure 5 illustrates the sachet of Figure 4 alone;

Figure 6 illustrates the sachet of Figure 5 filled with contents;

Figure 7 illustrates an example of a clip with the sachet removed;

Figure 8 illustrates an example of a stencil for use with the test kit;

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a test being completed using the test kit and parts shown in Figures 4 to 8; and

Figure 10 illustrates possible consumer skin test reactions that may result (negative and positive).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, described herein is a test system, method of testing and test kit that may be used by a retailer, service provider or consumer to test consumer sensitivity to a particular personal care product.

For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about ’or ‘approximately ’and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term ‘substantially ’or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term 'comprise' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

The term ‘sensitivity ’or grammatical variations thereof in the context of a personal care product refers to undesirable reactions caused by the personal care product to the consumer. The term sensitivity includes discomfort, irritation, allergies or allergic reactions through to anaphylaxis reactions at the extreme end. The term sensitivity is used to collectively refer to all types of reaction, perceived or otherwise, from the consumer to whom the test is completed on.

Test System

In a first aspect, there is provided a test system configured to test for consumer sensitivity to a personal care product, the test system comprising: a retailer or service provider that sells or uses the personal care product on the consumer; a consumer to whom the personal care product sample and product will be used; a test provider; and a test kit; wherein: the retailer or service provider receives consumer details and provides these consumer details and their personal care product details to the test provider in advance of an appointment to use the personal care product on the consumer; the test provider provides a test kit comprising a sample of the personal care product proposed to be used by the retailer or service provider to the consumer along with test equipment and instructions for use; and the consumer topically applies the sample of the personal care product using the test kit to their skin to check for any signs post application of a consumer sensitivity to the personal care product, a measured consumer sensitivity then sent to the test provider, or retailer or service provider, or both the test provider and the retailer or service provider.

Automated Data Transfer

In one example, the consumer details may be received by the test provider from the retailer or service provider automatically. For example, the consumer details may be received by the test provider when an appointment is made by the consumer in advance of a purchase or treatment. The personal care product(s) that the retailer or service provider use may be known to the test provider and hence, the test provider may prepare or select and send the test kit to the consumer tailored to the personal care product(s) that the retailer or service provider intends to use on the consumer. The retailer or service provider may alternatively manually send the personal care product details with the test request to the test provider.

Providing a test kit to the consumer may occur automatically (or manually) by the test provider when consumer details are received by the test provider from the retailer or service provider. For example, when an appointment is taken by the service provider for a particular personal care treatment, the service provider's appointment system may send a message with consumer details automatically to the test provider. This could be via email, an electronic signal, a linked platform and so on. Details provided may be the consumer name, location for sending the test kit and, if not already known, the personal care product(s) to be used by the service provider. The test kit may then be automatically or manually prepared by the test provider and sent to the consumer.

Advice may be provided to the retailer or service provider automatically once the consumer results post testing are received by the test provider. This could be automated or manual, sent via email, an electronic signal, a linked platform and so on. Details provided may be the consumer name, examples of any observations made by the consumer such as photographs or a simple ‘clear to proceed ’or ‘not clear to proceed ’message.

Varied Use Instructions

The test provider may also provide personal care product use instructions tailored to the consumer or to the retailer or service provider when the consumer results, post testing, are received by the test provider. For example, the consumer may have some minor irritation from a personal care product tested however, the test provider may be able to provide advice around ways to minimise this irritation such as by instructing a variation on label concentration, variation in the duration of treatment and so on.

Independence

The test provider may be an independent entity to the retailer or service provider and consumer. Independence means that the test provider is not biased (perceived or direct bias) to give certain results. The test provider may be independent of the manufacturer and/or the retailer or service provider and independent of the consumer.

Manufacturer and Consumer Feedback

The test results may be used to provide feedback to the manufacturer. Over time and use, a database of information may be gathered by the test provider and that data may be shared with a manufacturer (anonymised or otherwise). Information sharing like this may be useful to help develop new products that reduce the risk of sensitivity reactions.

The data collected from one consumer or from other patients (most likely anonymised) may also be shared with the consumer.

Method of Test Analysis

The consumer may provide their result (irritation or not and any other observations) to the test provider via: a photograph, a video, written or verbal comments and combinations thereof. Other measurement methods could be used and this list is not intended to be exhaustive. It is anticipated that a photo taken from a camera phone or similar will be sufficient to assess for any reactions although, the consumer may provide visual (photo or video) results in combination with other results (written, oral) to the test provider.

Personal Care Product

The personal care products encompassed herein may be those applied topically to the consumer: skin, hair, nails, teeth, and combinations thereof. Sometimes such treatments may be referred to as being cosmetics or cosmetic treatment products all of which are encompassed herein. Examples of personal care products may include: cleansing pads, colognes, cotton swabs, cotton pads, deodorant, eye liner, facial tissue, foundation, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, blush, lip gloss, lipstick, lip balm, lotion, make up, soaps including hand soap, hand sanitiser, facial cleanser, body wash, pomade, perfumes, shaving creams or gels, moisturisers, sunscreen products, baby powder, toothpaste, mouthwash, facial treatments, wet wipes, towels, shampoo and conditioners, nail polish, hair dyes, hair straighteners, hair styling products, eye brow or eye lash dyes and tints, tattoo ink, henna ink.

Retailer or Service Provider

The retailer or service provider may in one example be a hair salon. The retailer or service provider in an alternative example may be a beauty treatment provider e.g. a practice providing massage, skin care, pedicure, manicure, skin hair removal or other related services.

Personal Care Treatment

In one example, the personal care product may be: a hair dye, eye brow tint, eye lash tint, and combinations thereof. These particular products are typically used in a hair salon by a hair stylist. These products may be challenging to use since they often comprise two components, a tint e.g. paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and developer, that need to be mixed together at the time of use and, once mixed, only have a short time period for use. An alternative tint product to PPD may be paraphenylenetriamine or PPT. One or both components (tint or developer) may be highly susceptible to oxidation and reactive together hence, they must be handled carefully prior to, and during, use. The compounds used are known skin irritants in some people with reactions ranging from mild irritation and severe anaphylaxis and even death. As a result, these products almost always come with recommendations from the manufacturer for patch testing prior to use.

Method of Testing

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of testing the sensitivity of a consumer to a personal care product, the test comprising the steps of: providing a test kit comprising a sample of the personal care product to a consumer; topically applying a sample of the personal care product using the test kit on the skin of the consumer; testing for sensitivity by the consumer to the test sample post application.

Timing

In the above method, a time period of up to 48 hours may pass between topical application of the product sample and testing for a sensitivity. If a strong reaction occurs quickly, then the test is terminated by cleaning the test site. Since the amount of product sample is very small, the extent of consumer reaction is likely to be proportionally smaller as well compared to use of the personal care product by usual means e.g. dying of a head of hair.

Test Kit

In a third aspect, there is provided a test kit comprising: a sample of personal care product, the sample located in packaging wherein the packaging or a part thereof is transparent to allow the consumer to see the sample and to mould or move the sample within the packaging; a test template with at least one opening through which the sample is applied to skin of the consumer; and instructions for use of the test kit.

Seal and Separation

The test kit packaging may comprise a means to separate two or more compounds in the packaging prior to use. The means to separate may be a removable seal. The removable seal may be configured to be removed by the consumer on sampling of the consumers skin so as to allow the two or more compounds within the packaging to be mixed prior to opening of the packaging.

Impermeable

The product sample may be packaged in a packaging that prevents sample oxidation. For example, the packaging may be impermeable to oxygen or air.

Transparency

The packaging or a part thereof may be transparent to allow a consumer to see the sample and to mould or move the sample within the packaging.

Disinfectant

The test kit may further comprise a disinfectant to use on a skin test site prior to testing.

Control Sample

The test kit may further comprise a control sample that may be used alongside the product sample. The control sample may comprise: a known irritant (positive control); a known non-irritant (a negative control); and/or a sample from the personal care product (e.g. tint or developer alone to determine if a specific ingredient is responsible for a reaction).

Sample Volume

The personal care sample may comprise 0.1 to 5mL of personal care product.

Hair Dye Test System

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a test system configured to test for consumer sensitivity to a hair dye product, the test system comprising: a hair salon that sells or uses the hair dye product on the consumer; a consumer on whom the hair dye product will be used; a test provider; and a test kit; wherein: the hair salon receives consumer details and provides these consumer details and their hair dye product details to the test provider in advance of an appointment to dye the hair of the consumer; the test provider provides a test kit comprising a sample of the hair dye product to be used by the hair salon to the consumer; the consumer topically applies a sample of the hair dye product using the test kit to their skin to check for any signs of sensitivity to the hair dye sample post application, the consumer sending their findings to the test provider and/or hair salon.

Test Kit Contents

In the above test system, the sample of the hair dye product comprises a hair dye tint e.g. PPD or PPT, and a developer, the hair dye tint and developer being separated. When the consumer completes the test, the consumer mixes the separated tint and developer to form a mixture prior to topical application and then the consumer applies the mixture of the tint and developer to their skin.

Alternatively, the consumer topically applies the separated tint and developer separately to their skin. That is, one of the compounds in the hair dye sample of the test kit may be kept separate from the tint and used directly on the consumer's skin as a control test to see if the separated compound is a source of irritation to the consumer.

Specifically, the test kit in the example of a hair dye, eye brow tint or eye lash tint may therefore comprise a sample with the tint and developer compounds separated. The consumer, when they do the test, may mix the tint and developer compounds together and then may apply the mixture topically to a test skin site. One of the compounds (usually the developer) may be kept separate from the tint and used directly on the consumer’s skin as a control test to see if the developer (or tint) is the particular source of irritation or, if it is the mixture that is the concern.

Timing of Use

In the above method of testing, the consumer may complete the test prior to use of the personal care product. By doing the test first, they can determine that they do not have a sensitivity to the personal care product.

Use of a Test Kit

In a fifth aspect, there is provided the use of the test kit substantially as described above in the manufacture of a test system for the presence or otherwise of a consumer sensitivity to a personal care product.

Test Kit Comprising a Sachet

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a test kit comprising a sachet, the sachet comprising: a control compartment and a test compartment wherein the control compartment and the test compartment are linked structurally but are not fluidly connected; the control compartment of the sachet comprises a control substance and the test compartment comprises test substances; the test compartment is divided into first and further separate portions that are fluidly linked about at least one obstruction between the first and further separate portions of the test compartment so as to cause fluid in the first and further portions to move via a tortious path from the first separate portion to the further separate portion; and the sachet is manufactured from a malleable material configured to allow the consumer to hand mix of the test substances in the first and further separate portions together. Clip

The test kit may further comprise a clip configured to fit across the sachet and urge pressure on the sachet to physically block one part of the test comportment from another part of the test compartment.

The clip may be elongated in shape having a longitudinal length and sides.

The clip may be attached to the sachet after the sachet is filled and sealed.

The clip may fit over or about the sachet when attached to the sachet. The clip may fit over the sachet so that the longitudinal axis of the clip is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the sachet.

The clip may be formed in two parts that fit together about the sachet.

The clip may be a moulded plastic or acrylic material.

The sachet and clip may be shipped and stored with the clip attached to the sachet.

The clip may be removable from the sachet. Removal may be to allow mixing of the test substances in the compartments and to urge removal of test substances from an opening in the sachet.

Alternatively, the clip, still attached to the sachet, may be moved or slid along the sachet longitudinal axis to urge movement of sample or control material in the sachet between compartments or out of an opening.

The clip may have a sleeve or sleeves. The sleeve or sleeves may slidingly engage the clip about the clip sides. The sleeve may act to clamp the sachet sides particularly as the clip is moved along the longitudinal axis of the sachet. This may be to ensure urging of substantially all of the material in the sachet between compartments or out of an opening when the clip is moved relative to the sachet.

Stencil

The test kit may further comprise a stencil. The stencil may comprise a planar face with openings; the openings configured to receive therethrough a control substance and/or a test substance.

Elongated Band

The test kit may further comprise an elongated band configured to fix the stencil to a consumers arm or wrist by wrapping the elongated band about the consumers arm or wrist and fastening an end of the elongated band to the planar face thereby fixing the stencil and planar face in place on the consumers arm or wrist.

Consumer

The consumer in the above description is intended to be a human. Non-human animals may also use the test system and method of testing and kit. For example, the test system, method and test kit may be used for testing high value animals such as race horses in advance of a veterinary treatment. Reference to humans should not be seen as limiting.

Advantages

Advantages of the above test system, method of testing and a related test kit for use in the test system and method may include:

Compliance with manufacturer's recommendations;

Minimising the risk of adverse consumer reactions;

Providing a simple system of testing that may minimise retailer or service provider staff time/materials;

Providing extra value to a customer and assurance in the product;

Providing a value add option for a salon at minimal cost to the salon;

Presentation of the test components in a storage stable form that may be simple to mix and apply when required and which may minimise waste;

Avoidance of re-scheduling of appointments by customers due to a test not being completed and having to be completed prior to a personal care treatment;

Avoiding the need for test time at a service provider premises hence, leading to great consumer throughput.

The aspects described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the aspects relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

WORKING EXAMPLES

The above described test system, method of testing and a related test kit for use in the test system and method are now described by reference to specific examples and the following item numbers and items:

1 Appointment

2 Message

3 Send message Return message

Findings conveyed

Contact consumer

Retailer or service provider

Test provider

Consumer

Test system

Template

Opening

Opening

Package

Alternative package

Compound 1

Compound 2

Seal

Sachet

Compartment 1

Compartment 2

Control substance a Test substance 1 b Test substance 2 a First test portion b Second test portion c Central portion

Barriers, baffles, or walls

Tear tab to control substance

Tear tab to test substance 200 Clip

210 Clip ends

220 Sleeve

230 Clip sides

300 Stencil

310 Stencil planar face

320 Stencil openings

330 Elongated band

340 End of band

EXAMPLE 1

In this example, the test system 10 is illustrated by use of a flow chart as shown in Figure 1. As noted above, the test system 10 essentially comprises three components being the consumer 9 (lower left box of Figure 1), the retailer or service provider 7 e.g. a salon or beauty treatment provider (upper box on left) and a test provider 8 (upper box on right).

The consumer 9 makes an appointment 1 with the retailer/service provider 7 to either purchase a personal care product or have a particular treatment e.g. a hair colouring, eyebrow tint or cosmetic skin treatment. The retailer/service provider 7 takes the appointment 1 and adds this to their own appointment software system. When the appointment 1 is made the software may then send a message 2 to the test provider 8 with the consumer 9 name, address for a test kit to be sent, treatment planned and personal care products to be used (if not already known to the test provider 7). The test provider 8 then sends 3 a test kit to the consumer 9. The consumer 9 completes their test and returns 4 the result to the test provider 8. This may be by for example taking a photograph of the skin treatment site after a period of time e.g. 48 hour. The result is then checked by the test provider 8 and the findings conveyed 5 to the retailer/service provider 7. This may be by a message or no message may be sent unless an adverse result is observed. In the event of an adverse sensitivity being found, the retailer/service provider 7 may contact 6 the consumer 9 and discuss an alternative treatment option or product option.

As may be appreciated, in this example the test provider 8 is independent of the retailer/service provider 7 and consumer 9 and simply provides the test kit and interpreting the results. The direct relationship between the consumer 9 and the retailer/service provider 7 remains and the test provider 8 may even provide the test with the service provider’s 7 branding on it so that the consumer 9 has no knowledge or only passing knowledge of the test provider 8.

All steps, bar the test completed by the consumer 9 and physical shipping of the test kit, may be automated so as to make the test system fast and efficient. Minimal involvement is needed from the retailer/service provider 7 leaving them to continue their normal work.

EXAMPLE 2

Figure 2 shows a set of instructions that a consumer might receive with their test kit to conduct their test. This example uses a hair colouring dye as the personal care product although as should be appreciated, the same method may be used for other personal care products.

As shown, in step 1 the consumer cleans and sterilises the patch of skin to be tested. This may be completed as well using an alcohol swab supplied in the test kit. In step 2 the consumer mixes the two parts of the har colouring product together (tint and developer). This may be done in a bowl and stirrer supplied with the test kit. The consumer then applies 3 the mixture to a 1cm ² patch of skin. The applied product is left to dry and left uncovered 4 for a duration of time - in Figure 2 shown as being 48 hours although other times may be used depending on the product to be tested and manufacturer instructions. After testing or if irritation occurs during testing, the product may be rinsed 5 from the skin site. The consumer is urged to provide their feedback to the test provider, e.g. through a website, and can type in comments and/or upload a video or photo showing the test site.

In this test method, the two components of the hair dye are mixed in a bowl. As will be described further in Example 3, mixing may occur in a specifically designed package and need not be done in a bowl. This may be preferable to ensure thorough mixing and avoid mess and waste for the consumer.

As may be appreciated, the exact test steps may be in part dictated by the manufacturer’s instructions. Some manufacturers for example require differing ratios of tint and developer in the case of hair dyes. The location that manufacturers specify for a test site may vary such as on the inner elbow or behind the ear. Some manufacturers require the consumer to wash off the sample after 45 minutes but still record any observations after 48 hours.

EXAMPLE 3

Figure 3 shows how the test kit may comprise some additional features to ease the test process for the consumer.

At the top of Figure 3 is shown a template 20 with two openings 21, 22. The consumer may apply the template which may be an adhesive bandage with one or more openings therein to a skin site to be tested. The product sample or samples may then be placed onto the exposed skin through the openings 21, 22. The template 20 provides a fixed and known area for coverage thereby removing uncertainty that a consumer may have about how widely to apply the sample. In addition, as shown in the upper image on Figure 3, multiple openings 21, 22 may be used and indication markers e.g. writing included adjacent the openings 21, 22 so that a consumer can know which opening 21, 22 they have applied sample product to and which opening 21,22 they have applied a control sample to.

The sample itself and any control samples may be provided in a package 30, 40 such as that shown in the lower images of Figure 3. Package 30 shows a single sample package 30 which holds one product sample and which may be accessed by tearing open a tear strip or frangible strip at one or both ends of the package 30 and product sample squeezed from the package 30 to the skin site directly. Package 40 is similar, however, in this case the package 40 comprises two separated compounds 41 and 42 that the consumer mixes together when about to complete the test and then again, tears open the package 40 and applies the mixed product sample. In this example, the package 40 comprises separated colour and developer that mix to form a hair dye. The colour/tint and developer may need to be kept apart prior to use otherwise they may rapidly degrade and not be representative of the hair dye used at the hair salon. In practice, the hair stylist completes this mixing at the salon prior to dying hair. The package 30, 40 is ideally also impermeable to oxygen or air so as to avoid degradation/oxidation of the tint or developer. The package 30, 40 may be at least partly transparent so that the consumer can see the mixing process occurring and ensure thorough mixing prior to application. The package 30, 40 may be transparent on one side only.

The two compounds 41,42 in the packaging 40 may be kept separate using a removable seal 50. In the lower images of Figure 3, the removable seal 50 is a bag clip however various seal devices may be used. One advantage of the removable seal 50 shown is that it may be detached from the centre of the package 30, 40, clipped to an end of the package 30, 40, and then slid across the package 30, 40 to force the sample compounds inside the package 30, 40 to merge together thereby minimising the amount of massaging or kneading needed by the consumer to move and mix the compounds together.

EXAMPLE 4

An alternative example test kit is described in Figures 4 to 8 along with a method shown in Figure 9.

In this alternative example, the test kit may comprise a sachet 100 shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, a clip 200 shown in Figures 4 and 7, and optionally a stencil 300 shown in Figure 8.

Sachet

The sachet 100 has an elongated form with two compartments 101, 102 herein referred to as a control compartment 101 and a test compartment 102. The control 101 and test 102 compartments are linked structurally but are not fluidly connected. For example, there may be a seal 103 between the two compartments 101, 102 that acts to prevent movement of fluid substance between the control 101 and test 102 compartments.

In one example, the control 101 compartment of the sachet 100 may comprise a control substance (arrow 110) and the test compartment comprises a test substance or substances (arrows 120a, 120b). An aim of the separation is to avoid mixing of the control 110 substance with the test 120a, 120b substance(s).

The two compartments 101, 102 may vary in size, one being larger than the other. The control compartment 101 may be smaller than the test compartment 102.

The test compartment 102 may in turn be divided into two or more parts being a first test portion 130a and a second test portion 130b. The portions 130a, 130b of the test compartment 102 are fluidly linked. Barriers 140 to fluid mixing such as baffles, walls or other obstructions may be placed between the two or more portions 130a, 130b of the test compartment 102 so as to cause fluid substances 120a, 120b in the parts to require movement via a tortious path from one part to the other or vice versa. The two portions 130a, 130b may further be separated by a central portions 130c that is fluidly connected to the other portions 130a, 130b of the test compartment 102. The central portion 130c may provide a mixing area for fluid substances located in the test compartment 102 when fluid substance 120a, 120b in the separate portions 130a, 130b are mixed together.

The control compartment 101 may be accessed during a test via a tear tab 150 that, when torn allows fluid substance 110 in the control compartment 101 to be forced from the control compartment 101 out of the sachet 100.

The test compartment 102 may be accessed during a test via a tear tab 160 that, when torn, allows fluid substance 120a, 120b in the test compartment 102 to be forced from the test compartment 102 out of the sachet 100.

The control compartment 101 and test compartment 102 tear tabs 150, 160 may be located on opposite ends of the sachet 100.

The test compartment 102 tear tab 160 may be located at a point furthest from the control compartment 101 tear tab 150. In one example, the tear tab 160 for the test compartment 102 accesses one part of the test compartment 102 distant to the central portion 130c.

The sachet 100 may be manufactured from foil or plastic, the compartments 101, 102 or portions 130a, 130b pre-filled with fluid substances 110, 120a, 120b and the sachet 100 formed by heat sealing and cutting to the shape shown.

Figure 6 shows one example of filled sachet 100 comprising as the control substance, 110 novoxyl developer. The developer in hair colour does not usually cause a reaction hence reference to this compartment as a control compartment 101. The test compartment 102 first portion 130a comprises DeLorenzo Novocolour cream as the first test substance 120a. This is a known hair colouring product in a form that is stable. It is also the portion of hair colouring that for some people causes unwanted reactions. The test compartment 102 second portion 130b comprises novoxyl developer fluid substance 120b (same as the control). In use, the test compartment 102 first and second portion 130a, 130b fluid substances 120a, 120b are mixed together inside the sachet 100 at testing in the central portion 130c.

Clip

A clip 200 such as that shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7 may be used in conjunction with the sachet 100. The clip 200 may fit across the sachet 100. The clip 200 may be elongated in shape having a longitudinal length and sides and the clip may be attached to the sachet 100 after the sachet 100 is filled and sealed. As shown, the clip 200 fits over the sachet 100 so that the longitudinal axis of the clip 200 is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the sachet 100.

Once fitted, the clip 200 may urge pressure on the sachet 100 to physically block one part of the test compartment 102 from another part of the test compartment 102.

In one example, the clip 200 is fitted across the central portion 130c noted above to separate the first and second portion 130a, 130b of the test compartment 102. The clip 200 may be attached to the sachet 100 post filling and sealing. The sachet 100 may be shipped and stored in this manner. The clip 200 may be used to prevent unwanted mixing of the test substances 120a, 120b prior to a test being completed.

When a test is completed, the clip 200 may be removed by the user, for example by pulling the clip 200 ends 210 apart which in turn detaches the clip 200 from the sachet 100.

Alternatively, the clip 200 may be moved along the sachet 100 longitudinal axis to urge movement of sample or control material 120a, 120b, 120c in the sachet 100 between compartments 102 or out of an opening.

The clip 200 may have a sleeve or sleeves 220 that may slidingly engage the clip 200 about the clip 200 sides 230.

Stencil

Figure 8 shows an example of a stencil 300 that may be used by the user to aid testing and reaction detection although this is not essential. The stencil 300 comprises a planar face 310 with openings 320 (two in this example). One opening 320 may be used for a control substance and the other opening (or more openings potentially) may be used for test mixtures such as the control substance. The stencil 300 may have an elongated band 330 that may be used to fix the stencil 300 to the user's arm or wrist by wrapping the elongated band 330 about the users arm or wrist (not shown) and fastening an end 340 of the elongated band 330 to the planar face 310 thereby fixing the stencil 300 in place on the user's arm or wrist. Method of Testing

Figure 9 illustrates a method of use of the test kit described in this example.

Step 1 involves cleaning of the test site.

Step 2 and step 3 involve fastening the stencil of Figure 8 to the user's arm;

Step 4 involves pulling apart the clip shown in Figures 4 and 7 to remove the clip and then mixing the test substances together. This is done by hand manipulation to urge the test compartment fluids to mix together in or about the central portion 130c (although mixing could occur in the first or second portions 130a, 130b as well).

Step 5 involves tearing the tab to the test compartment and applying a sample of the mixed test compartment fluid to a first opening in the stencil.

Step 6 involves tearing the control tab and applying a sample of the control compartment fluid to a seance opening in the stencil.

Step 7 involves waiting for 45 minutes and then rinsing the test and control samples from the skin site.

Step 8 involves removing the stencil and observing the test site for a further 48 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

Step 9 involves removing the stencil and cleaning the test site skin.

Example Results

Figure 10 illustrates a range of results that may be identified using the test kits and methods described herein. Reactions (or not) may range from:

A no reaction;

B doubtful reaction with faint erythema only;

C weak positive reaction with non-vesicular erythema, infiltration, possible papules;

D Strong positive reaction with vesicular erythema, infiltration and papules;

E Extreme positive reaction with intense erythema and infiltration, coalescing vesicles, bulls reaction;

F Irritant reaction.

Aspects of the test system, method of testing and a related test kit for use in the test system and method have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.