Validated Claim Support

What Validated Claim Support does

Validated Claim Support (VCS) is a privately held, FDA-registered Analytical Testing Laboratory founded in 2018 by Brian Ecclefield and co-founded by Jane Tervooren, operating from a 10,200+ square foot custom facility in Teaneck, New Jersey. The company provides clinical claim substantiation services for cosmetic, personal care, and over-the-counter (OTC) drug manufacturers, with a service portfolio organized around four core testing methodologies: Expert Clinical Grading (trained technicians scoring skin and hair conditions on validated 0–4 and 0–9 scales), Instrumental Evaluations (biophysical measurements via clinical-grade instruments including Cutometer, Corneometer, Tewameter, Sebumeter, Visioscan, and Antera 3D), User Trials (consumer perception questionnaires in controlled environments), and proprietary Before & After Clinical Photography using Canfield VISIA CR and the in-house Validated Clinical Photography Technique refined over 16 years with VAESTRO quantitative image analysis. Specialized testing services span anti-aging claims, acne/pore/comedone claims, hyperpigmentation, moisturization, SPF/UV testing, safety and irritation (HRIPT, ocular irritation), haircare efficacy, hair growth, dandruff, active ingredient testing, microbiome claims (via Sequential Bio partnership), and cosmetic claim support for eyelash, foot care, lip care, luminosity, under-eye, and cellulite testing.

VCS's business model is project-based professional services with quote-based pricing, minimum 30-subject study designs for statistical significance, and multi-year contracts. The company sells primarily through direct enterprise sales to prestige skincare brands, OTC drug manufacturers, haircare companies, sun care brands, and indie/niche cosmetic manufacturers, with go-to-market supported by industry tradeshows (In Cosmetics Global, NYSCC Supplier's Day), the Scientist.com marketplace (where VCS is a Top Supplier), Skinobs listings, and earned media through Happi Magazine. Customer demand is structurally driven by retailer clinical data compliance requirements from Sephora, Walmart, Amazon.com, and QVC/HSN, as well as FDA regulatory requirements for OTC drug claims.

The company is independently and privately funded with no disclosed institutional capital. Leadership includes the founder and co-founder plus a clinical advisory bench of board-certified dermatologists, gynecologists, podiatrists, pediatricians, and ophthalmologists serving as Principal Investigators. The workforce is approximately 20 full-time employees, of which over 85% are women and 90% of staff plus most department heads are female. Operational compliance is anchored by FDA registration (2019), a clean first inspection (August 2020), ISO 9001 certification, HIPAA and GDPR-compliant RealTime CTMS with blockchain encryption, and a hybrid GCP/GMP/GLP quality management system.

Name

Validated Claim Support

Legal name

Validated Claim Support, LLC

Website

https://validatedcs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Validated Claim Support is a privately held FDA-registered clinical testing laboratory in Teaneck, NJ that provides claim substantiation services — expert grading, biophysical instrumentation, user trials, and proprietary clinical photography — to cosmetic, personal care, and OTC drug manufacturers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Clinical Testing Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Medical Laboratories (621511)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro primary industry

Imaging Core Labs & Clinical Endpoint Adjudication (HLAGAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ingredient & Sub-Ingredient Label Claim Verification (incl. compound ingredients) (AFALAHAC), Dietary/Functional Claim Substantiation (e.g., high-protein, low-sugar, keto, low-FODMAP) (AFALAHAE)

Keywords

• Clinical claim substantiation
• Cosmetic product testing
• In-vivo clinical studies
• OTC drug testing
• Skincare efficacy studies

Headquarters

HQ city

Teaneck

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Clinical Testing Services: Clinical laboratory testing services for cosmetic, personal care, and OTC drug products including expert grading, instrumentation, user trials, and photography. Services are project-based and custom-tailored to client needs.
2. Claims Substantiation Studies: Custom clinical studies designed to support product label claims for regulatory compliance and retailer requirements (Sephora, Walmart, Amazon, QVC/HSN).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Validated Claim Support is an FDA-registered Analytical Testing laboratory that provides clinical claim substantiation services for cosmetic, personal care, and OTC drug manufacturers. Services include expert clinical grading, biophysical instrumental evaluations, user trials, and proprietary high-resolution before-and-after photography, supporting claims for anti-aging, haircare efficacy, SPF, acne, hyperpigmentation, microbiome, moisturization, and OTC drug compliance.

Product overview

Validated Claim Support is a clinical testing laboratory offering a unified suite of claim substantiation services for the cosmetics, personal care, and OTC drug industries. The core service portfolio consists of four primary testing methodologies: Expert Clinical Grading (objective scoring by trained technicians using validated scales), Instrumental Evaluations (biophysical measurements via clinical-grade instruments), User Trials (consumer perception and questionnaire studies), and Before & After Photography (high-resolution clinical imaging with Canfield VISIA CR and proprietary techniques). These methodologies support a comprehensive range of specialized testing services including acne/pore claims, anti-aging claims, haircare efficacy, SPF testing, safety/irritation testing, microbiome claims support, moisturization testing, OTC drug claims, hair growth studies, hyperpigmentation studies, dandruff testing, active ingredient testing, and cosmetic claim support (eyelash, foot, lip care, luminosity, under-eye, and cellulose testing). All services are conducted at an FDA-registered clinical laboratory following GCP, GMP, and ISO 9001 hybrid quality standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Expert Clinical Grading Clinical endpoint service using trained technicians to objectively score skin and hair conditions using validated 0-4 or 0-9 scales, providing percentage-based improvement values for claim substantiation by cosmetic, personal care, and OTC manufacturers.
• Instrumental Evaluations Biophysical measurement service using clinical-grade instruments including Visioscan, Cutometer, Corneometer, Tewameter, Sebumeter, and Antera 3D to deliver direct percentage-based improvements for cosmetic, skincare, and OTC manufacturers' efficacy claims.
• User Trials Consumer perception and qualitative questionnaire studies including home use trials, sensory feedback, and subjective perception assessments conducted in temperature/humidity-controlled clinical settings for cosmetic and personal care manufacturers.
• Before & After Photography High-resolution clinical photography using Canfield VISIA CR and the proprietary Validated Clinical Photography technique for documenting product efficacy over treatment timelines, with image analysis and quantification capabilities for cosmetic and OTC manufacturers' marketing and regulatory needs.
• Anti-Aging Claims Testing Clinical claim substantiation for fine lines, wrinkles, photoaging, and skin aging parameters using expert grading, instrumentation, and photography methodologies for skincare manufacturers.
• Over-The-Counter Claims Testing FDA-compliant OTC drug testing for dandruff, SPF, redness reduction, acne, psoriasis, melasma, and custom anti-aging support at the FDA-registered facility for OTC drug manufacturers.
• SPF Testing In vivo and in vitro SPF testing methods compliant with FDA, ISO, UVA, and UVB standards, including photobiology and photostability assessments for sunscreen and sun care manufacturers.
• Haircare Product Claims Testing Efficacy testing for haircare products including volumizing, frizz control, dandruff, shine improvement, color persistence, and shampoo/conditioner performance claims for haircare manufacturers.
• Hair Growth Studies FDA-registered drug testing laboratory supporting hair loss product claims and hair regrowth efficacy studies for OTC and personal care manufacturers.
• Cosmetic Claim Support Testing services validating makeup, longwear, all-day, color persistence, durability, eyelash enhancement, foot care, lip care, and other cosmetic product claims for cosmetic manufacturers.
• Acne, Pores, and Comedone Claims Testing Clinical studies supporting acne treatment claims including lesion counting, sebum measurement via Sebumeter, redness reduction analysis, and OTC drug testing for products with approved acne ingredients.
• Active Ingredient Testing Clinical studies supporting active ingredient and drug concentration claims for OTC products including retinol and other regulated cosmetic actives for personal care manufacturers.
• Hyperpigmentation Studies Clinical documentation of hyperpigmentation reduction or evenness of skin tone using color analysis and photography for skincare manufacturers.
• Dandruff Testing Claims Clinical studies for flakiness, dandruff, and overall scalp health testing at OTC drug registration level for haircare and OTC drug manufacturers.
• Moisturization Testing Clinical studies ensuring skin is moisturized and balanced using Corneometer, MoistureMeter, and other hydration measurement instruments for skincare manufacturers.
• Safety and Irritation Testing Patch testing, safety-in-use studies, hypoallergenic claims support, sensitive skin testing, HRIPT (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test), and ocular irritation testing for cosmetic and personal care manufacturers.
• Microbiome Claims Support DNA sample collection via noninvasive skin patches with genomic sequencing (shotgun, 16s, next-generation, qPCR) powered by Sequential Bio partnership for microbiome-conscious product development including 'Certified to maintain the Microbiome' and 'Microbiome-Friendly' claims.

Quantifiable outcome

• 91% of participants showed significant reduction in appearance of pores in clinical study
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sequential BiocoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for microbiome analysis and cosmetic testing. Sequential Bio provides DNA sample collection via noninvasive skin patch, DNA extraction/amplification, DNA library creation, and sequencing using state-of-the-art genomic technologies. Supports microbiome claim substantiation including 'Certified to maintain the Microbiome' and 'Microbiome-Friendly' claims.
• TRI PrincetoncoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for haircare analytical claims. TRI Princeton is an independent non-profit scientific research organization focused on personal care industry research. Provides contract testing services and high-quality test reports recognized by scientists and regulators worldwide.
• DocuSigncoreTechnology or IntegrationDocuSign provides CFR 21 Part 11 compliant electronic signatures for clinical study documentation. VCS uses DocuSign Life Sciences Modules for digital signature compliance with FDA electronic records requirements.
• RealTime CTMScoreTechnology or IntegrationRealTime provides HIPAA-compliant cloud-based Panelist Database management system and SitePAY for panelist payout. RealTime SitePAY handles cashless panelist compensation via reloadable debit cards with automated 1099/Research Income reporting.
• Allendale IRB (Regulatory and Technical Associates)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIRB services for drug product testing. RTA provides toxicology, preclinical drug and medical device development, and regulatory affairs consulting for FDA submissions including INDs, NDAs, CTDs, 510(k)s.
• AdvarraminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSingle IRB review services for multisite clinical trials. Full board review of new protocol and informed consent within 4 business days. Expedited review of minimal risk protocols within 2 business days.
• Scientist.comcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVCS is a Top Supplier on Scientist.com, the world's largest AI-powered marketplace for medical and skincare research. Platform provides service agreement review, management, and invoice purchasing for accounts receivable turnover.
• SkinobsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline laboratory services listing platform with multilingual publications about skincare clinical advances and international testing laboratories.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Intertek Group: Global quality assurance and testing company with consumer products and life sciences divisions. Provides cosmetic and personal care testing, regulatory support, and clinical evaluation services at much larger scale across many countries—overlapping capability but not specialty-focused.
• Eurofins Scientific: Global bioanalytical testing and contract research group with consumer product testing and clinical diagnostics services. Offers overlapping cosmetic and personal care testing capability through Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care, but as part of a much broader testing/services portfolio.
• SGS SA: Global testing, inspection, and certification company with broad life sciences and consumer products testing capabilities. Offers cosmetic and personal care testing as part of a much wider portfolio, including clinical and analytical services across multiple geographies.

Direct peers

• Clinical Research Laboratories (CRL): New Jersey-based contract research laboratory specializing in clinical safety, efficacy, and claim substantiation studies for cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. Offers comparable services including expert grading, instrumental evaluation, and SPF testing to the same prestige beauty and OTC clients.
• Complife Group: Italy-headquartered clinical testing laboratory group providing cosmetic, personal care, and medical device claim substantiation across Europe. Operates multiple accredited facilities with comparable service breadth including clinical grading, instrumental evaluation, and OTC testing.
• Consumer Product Testing Company (CPTC): Fairfield, NJ-based clinical testing laboratory offering claim substantiation, safety, SPF, and microbiological testing for cosmetics, personal care, and OTC products. VCS explicitly disclaims affiliation with CPTC and positions itself as a differentiated alternative, indicating direct competition for the same client base.
• Princeton Consumer Research (PCR): UK-headquartered clinical testing laboratory with US presence focused exclusively on cosmetic and personal care claim substantiation. VCS partners with TRI Princeton for haircare analytics, indicating industry overlap. Comparable core services (expert grading, instrumental, user trials) for global beauty brands.
• BioScreen Inc. California-based independent clinical testing laboratory offering custom claim substantiation studies for cosmetics, skin care, and OTC drug products. Provides similar services including expert grading, biophysical instrumentation, and photography with comparable FDA-registered status for OTC testing.
• ProDerm Institute: Germany-based clinical testing laboratory specializing in dermatological and cosmetic claim substantiation studies. Offers expert grading, biophysical measurements, and tolerability studies for international cosmetics brands—directly comparable methodology and customer segment.

Emerging players

• Sequential Bio: Microbiome testing partner of VCS that provides genomic sequencing services for skin microbiome claim substantiation. While not a direct competitor today, its emerging presence in microbiome-focused cosmetic testing represents a nascent overlap category VCS is exposed to via its microbiome service line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ValidatedClaimSupport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/validatedclaims/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/validatedclaimsupport

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Validated Claim Support