BeautyQol: the gold standard Quality of Life measuring instrument specific to dermo-cosmetics and physical appearance

Data Mining International specialises in the development and validation of Quality-of-Life (QoL) measuring instruments. Until recently, they were mostly created around pharmaceutical products and were included in the Health Technology Assessment dossiers as a part of supportive evidence for value generation. BeautyQoL, developed in collaboration with several researchers coming from the cosmetic industry, academic dermatology as well as mathematicians and experts in public health, is a truly pioneering measurement tool that addresses specifically the quality of life related to the use of cosmetic products and physical appearance.

BeautyQol 6-minute video presentation:

BeautyQoL was created as a result of a multiphase study conducted in 13 countries and in 16 languages (France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Russia, USA, Brazil, Japan, India (Hindi and Indian English) China and South Africa (Zulu, Sotho and South-African English). The self-administered questionnaire provides one overall QoL score, as well as five sub-scores according to five key dimensions of QoL: Social life, Self-Confidence, Mood, Energy and Attractiveness.

The positive impact of cosmetics on self esteem and well-being has been well-known since the Antique period, but this is the first time that its possible to scientifically measure this impact on the key dimensions of Quality of Life. This new instrument will allow large comparative research according to populations, products and situations. While measuring the positive effect of cosmetic products on Quality of Life, BeautyQol also allows to evaluate how they can improve health in general, because – as it is defined by the World Health Organization: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Hence, if cosmetics can improve social well-being, they directly impact health, thus QoL should be assessed in every study involving cosmetic products in order to establish their real added value.

References :

Validation of a New International Quality-of-Life Instrument Specific to Cosmetics and Physical Appearance. BeautyQoL Questionnaire (ARCH DERMATOL/VOL 148 (NO. 11), NOV 2012, FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE)

Quality of life assessment in cosmetics: specificity and interest of the international BeautyQol instrument (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14, 260-265, 2015)

Impact of pigmentary disorders on quality of life in Japan: Interest of the BeautyQoL instrument (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2015; Early Online: 1–5)