Alternative in vitro and in silico models to reduce animal use: a crucial technological advance in dermatological sciences.

INTRODUCTION

Alternative models are tools to replace and reduce the number of animals used in biomedical sciences, for either research or tests of industrial products. Several new alternative models have been developed in the most diverse fields. Their implementation has led to significant advances in the dermatological cosmetic industry, enabling chemical and molecular screening without animal use. However, limitations remain, particularly regarding tissue microenvironment complexity and systemic metabolic responses.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this viewpoint is to present the existing alternative models available for dermatological sciences, evaluate their applications and discuss their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the future perspectives for safe clinical translation.

RESULTS

In vitro and in silico approaches provide reliable platforms for toxicity, irritation, sensitization, and topical efficacy in cosmetic and dermatological research. Advanced systems, including human skin equivalents, bioprinted skin, and skin-on-a-chip platforms, enhance physiological relevance and mechanistic insight compared with two-dimensional cultures. However, limitations related to tissue complexity, systemic metabolic integration, standardization, and scalability still restrict their ability to fully replace in vivo models.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, it is expected that future developments in alternative technologies will further enable the reduction of animal model use, while still providing reliable and translatable knowledge applicable across scientific disciplines.