The LuSens test, developed by BASF, is an in vitro test to detect the sensitization potential of chemicals to human skin. The test was developed to be license free and shared with the scientific community at-large. It has recently been incorporated into the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guideline Program.

The LuSens is a keratinocyte activation assay. It investigates a certain signal pathway within the cells, using immortalised human keratinocytes (specialised epidermal cells). This principle is based upon the fact that most allergens activate a particular signal pathway, Nrf2-Keap1-ARE. A reporter gene was built into the keratinocytes so as to be able to recognise signal pathway activation following exposure to a test substance using luminometry.

In recent years, key agencies in China responsible for the supervision of cosmetic registration and importation have invested significant efforts to consider non-animal approaches into their regulations.

LuSens, along with the associated protocols and training video, will be imported through the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, and distributed by the National Institute of Food and Drug Control of the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) to key government testing laboratories for implementation.

Source and read more here:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-01/ifiv-iab010418.php