Évaluation de la tolérance oculaire du shampoing par le test HET-CAM

Abstract

This study evaluates the ocular irritation potential of a baby shampoo using the Hen's Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM), a validated non-animal alternative method. The shampoo, formulated with Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES, 12%) and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB, 6%), was applied to the chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chicken eggs after 10 days of incubation, with irritation responses (hemorrhage, hyperemia, and coagulation) monitored over 5 minutes and compared to a positive control (0.1M NaOH). While the positive control triggered rapid irritant effects (hyperemia at 30 seconds, hemorrhage at 2 minutes, and coagulation at 5 minutes), the test shampoo induced no such reactions, demonstrating excellent ocular tolerance due to the mild surfactant combination, where CAPB counteracts the potential irritancy of SLES. The study underscores the utility of HET-CAM as a simple, cost-effective screening tool, though it acknowledges limitations such as the inability to assess long-term effects. These findings support the adoption of alternative methods aligned with the 3R principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), particularly in regions where animal testing is still permitted, while validating the safety of the tested shampoo for infant use.