What it means
In vitro work shows whether a compound can act on a cell in a particular way, which helps generate hypotheses. It does not show what happens in a living person, because absorption, metabolism and immune responses are missing.
Many skincare ingredients are supported mainly by in vitro data, so check whether a human trial exists.
Also known as
- in vitro
- cell culture study
- lab study
- in vitro experiment
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about any decision about your health.