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Cutometer® Dual MPA 580
The Global Standard in Suction-Based Skin Elasticity Measurement
Overview
The Cutometer® is a scientific instrument designed to measure the elastic and viscoelastic properties of the skin using the well-established suction method. Developed by Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH, it is widely used in cosmetic research, dermatology, clinical studies, product development, and claim substantiation.
During measurement, the probe applies controlled negative pressure to gently draw the skin into the probe opening. The skin’s deformation and recovery are then measured optically, providing objective data on parameters such as firmness, elasticity, fatigue, recovery, and overall mechanical skin behavior.
The Cutometer® is especially valuable for evaluating products and treatments targeting anti-aging, firming, lifting, skin tightening, hydration-related elasticity improvement, and barrier-related skin condition. It supports before-and-after comparisons and helps researchers quantify how cosmetic formulations, dermatological treatments, or aesthetic procedures affect skin mechanical properties over time.
As part of the Courage + Khazaka MPA system, the Cutometer® can be combined with other probes, such as the Indentometer IDM 800 and Frictiometer FR 700, to provide a more complete and quantitative analysis of skin mechanics, firmness, elasticity, friction, and collagen-related properties.
Features
Worldwide established suction method to look at skin's elasticity and its biological age with a broad range of studies.
The measurement (behavior of the skin during suction and relaxation) is monitored as instant live curves on the screen.
An air box inside the device keeps the negative pressure always constant - even for long measurement times.
The small, convenient size of the probe allows successful measurement of skin areas that are difficult to reach.
The probe contains an elastic spring that provides constant manual application pressure of the probe on the skin.
The probe can be delivered with several aperture sizes (2, 4, 6 and 8 mm Ø) to fit different skin sites and different study requirements. The Cutometer® dual MPA 580 can feature two elasticity measurement probes with different aperture Ø at the same time.
The probe head can easily be cleaned after each measurement.
Flexible testing protocols Measurement settings can be adapted depending on the study objective, skin area, aperture size, and required suction/relaxation cycles.
The Cutometer® MPA 580 is at the same time a Multi Probe Adapter system and can be used with the Sebumeter® and up to 4 other probes of your choice.
Technology
The Cutometer® measurement principle is based on the well-established negative pressure suction method. During measurement, a pump inside the device creates controlled negative pressure, gently drawing a small area of skin into the probe opening. When the suction stops, the skin begins to return to its original position.
The skin movement is recorded using a contact-free optical measurement system. This system includes a light source, receiver diode, and mirror prisms that guide the light beam from the transmitter to the receiver. The intensity of the received light changes according to how deeply the skin penetrates into the probe, allowing the system to measure skin deformation precisely.
The Cutometer® evaluates skin behavior in two main phases: suction and relaxation. During the suction phase, the device measures how strongly the skin resists being drawn into the probe, which reflects skin firmness and viscoelastic behavior. During the relaxation phase, it measures how effectively the skin returns to its original state, which reflects elasticity and recovery.
The skin’s movement is displayed in real time as a curve based on penetration depth over time. This curve is used to calculate multiple parameters related to skin firmness, elasticity, recovery, fatigue, and biological aging. Younger or more elastic skin typically returns faster after suction, while changes in collagen and elastin structure can affect the recovery curve.
Application
Cosmetic formulation and efficacy testing
The Cutometer® is a fundamental instrument for cosmetic applications, supporting formulation development, product performance evaluation, and objective before-and-after studies.
Claim substantiation for skin mechanics
Helps support claims such as firmness enhancing, lifting, toning, anti-aging, improves skin elasticity, rejuvenating, reduces skin fatigue/slackness, improves cellulite/stretch marks, improves softness, and improves stiffness/hardness.
Dermatological and clinical research
Used in basic dermatological research involving both human and animal skin to evaluate elasticity, firmness, viscoelasticity, and biological skin aging.
Assessment of other materials
In addition to skin, the Cutometer® can also be used to assess the mechanical properties of other materials, such as food and textiles.
Aesthetic treatment evaluation
Useful for monitoring skin firmness and elasticity before and after treatments such as laser procedures, radiofrequency, microneedling, injectables, or other rejuvenation treatments.
Anti-aging and biological skin age studies
Helps evaluate changes in skin mechanical properties related to aging, collagen quality, elastin function, and long-term skin condition.
Scar and wound-healing research
Can be used to assess changes in stiffness, hardness, elasticity, and recovery behavior in scar tissue or healing skin.
Available Configuration
The Cutometer® probe is available and compatible only with the MPA 580 base system and MPA CT+ software.
MPA580
FAQs
What does the Cutometer® measure?
The Cutometer® measures the elastic and viscoelastic properties of the skin using the suction method. It provides quantitative data related to firmness, elasticity, recovery, fatigue, and biological skin aging.
How does the Cutometer® work?
The Cutometer® applies controlled negative pressure to gently draw the skin into the probe opening. A contact-free optical system records the skin’s penetration depth during suction and relaxation, creating a live measurement curve.
What types of claims can the Cutometer® support?
The Cutometer® can support claims such as improves skin elasticity, firmness enhancing, lifting, toning, anti-aging, rejuvenating, reduces skin fatigue/slackness, and improves skin softness or stiffness.
What aperture sizes are available?
The Cutometer® probe can be supplied with different aperture sizes, including 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm, depending on the measurement site and study requirements.
What system is required to use the Cutometer®?
The Cutometer® probe is available and compatible only with the MPA 580 base system and MPA CT+ software.
Is there an accuracy check method for the Cutometer® probe?
Yes. The accuracy of the Cutometer® probe can be checked easily at any time using the appropriate calibration check tool. This helps verify the probe’s performance between regular service or calibration intervals.
Does the Cutometer® probe require calibration?
Yes. To maintain measurement accuracy and reliability, the Cutometer® probe should be calibrated every year. Each probe comes with a calibration certificate, providing documented confirmation of its calibration status. Regular calibration helps ensure consistent performance, support quality control, and provides confidence in study results and claim substantiation data.
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