Abstract
The term ‘contact dermatitis’ refers to a range of adverse effects whose causation is quite varied. Manufacturers of consumer products have an important responsibility to minimise the extent to which their products cause such skin reactions. In meeting this responsibility, use may be made of humans, e.g. in studies related to skin irritation, to try to ensure the highest possible safety standards are achieved. The purpose of this short review paper is to outline the principles that must be followed before initiating studies with human volunteers. In addition, these principles are considered in the context of European legislation on chemicals and preparations.