Boots, No7 Beauty Company, and The University of Manchester (UoM) have successfully secured ‘multi-million’ pound funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to advance inclusive dermatology research. The funding will underpin the Project Spectrum partnership, aimed at addressing the historical imbalance in skin research that has predominantly focused on lighter skin tones.

The research initiative will delve into how melanin, the pigment determining skin colour, influences skin structure, function, and response to sunlight. The ultimate goal is to develop skincare solutions that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals.

Dr Mike Bell, Head of Science Research at Boots and No7 Beauty Company, expressed gratitude to UKRI and BBSRC, stating, “With our world-leading scientific partners at The University of Manchester, we will develop a much better understanding of the similarities and differences in skin across the pigmentary spectrum, allowing for more inclusive product design and ultimately more effective solutions for everyone.”

Project Spectrum builds on a 15-year research collaboration that has already produced over 100 scientific publications. Dr Abigail Langton, Lecturer in Ethnic Skin and Principal Investigator on Project Spectrum, highlighted the tangible benefits of their partnership, stating, “Our longstanding partnership with Boots and No7 Beauty Company has allowed us to not only delve into the intricacies of skin science but also deliver tangible benefits to consumers through clinical translational research.”

This initiative aligns with the broader industry’s commitment to addressing gaps in skin research. Inclusive skincare brand 4.5.6 Skin has established the world’s first dedicated Skin Tone Research Lab, while L’Oréal’s US business granted $100,000 to the Skin of Colour Society for research on the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in individuals with skin of colour.

Last year, members of the British Association of Dermatologists’ Lexicon Group introduced the five-point Eumelanin Human Skin Colour Scale, aiming to combat underrepresentation in research and replace subjective approaches to describing skin colour. The collective efforts of these initiatives aim to revolutionize skincare research, ensuring it caters to the diverse spectrum of skin tones and needs.