Abstract
Various test methods for evaluating one aspect of cutaneous safety-mildness-are reviewed in this paper. (Mildness is defined as the lack of irritation, roughness, or dryness that can result from actual home usage of such products by housewives.) Often, a broad range of different mildness tests may be conducted by the manufacturer of a new or modified household cleaning product. These tests can be arranged on a scale ranging from least realistic (for example animal testing) to most realistic (for example, hand immersion testing and actual housewife usage tests). Data are presented which illustrate that the most realistic test techniques are preferable for forming final scientific judgments concerning the mildness of household cleaning products. Examples of how the least realistic tests can lead to incorrect conclusions are also discussed. Specific data from mildness testing of several Procter & Gamble household cleaning products are presented to illustrate the degree of agreement between various test methods. The hand immersion test, a realistic and practical method, is seen to be excellent for mildness assessments in most instances.
