Boots and No7 secure millions in funding for inclusive dermatology research

Boots and No7 Beauty Company, along with The University of Manchester (UoM), have secured multi-million-pound Prosperity Partnerships funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to support research advancing understanding of skin health.

The research partnership, dubbed ‘Project Spectrum’, seeks to redress a historical imbalance in the existing body of skin research, which previously focused on lighter skin tones, neglecting darker skin tones. It aims to redefine the future of skin health research, pushing boundaries, and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable approach to skin care.

The project will explore how skin structure, function and response to sunlight are influenced by melanin, to deliver effective skincare solutions that address the needs of all people.

Dr Mike Bell, Head of Science Research at Boots and No7 Beauty Company, commented: “We are very grateful to UKRI and the BBSRC for supporting this exciting research programme. 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 an existing successful, 15-year research collaboration between No7 Beauty Company, Boots and UoM that has made significant advances in the science of skin structural remodelling linked to environmental and age-related damage. The partnership has so far produced over 100 scientific publications and enabled new skincare solutions for skin health and ageing to reach UK consumers.

Dr Abigail Langton, Lecturer in Ethnic Skin and Principal Investigator on Project Spectrum, said: “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."

“Through Project Spectrum, we aim to break new ground in the exploration of skin, building both capacity and capability in skin research and fostering a more holistic and inclusive approach to dermatological research”.