No products in the cart.
Mexameter® MX 18
Assessing skin melanin content and erythema levels
Overview
The Mexameter® MX 18 is a scientific probe designed to measure melanin content and erythema level in the skin. Developed by Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH, it provides fast, objective, and reproducible data for evaluating skin pigmentation, redness, and color-related changes.
The measurement is based on the skin’s capacitance principle, which detects changes in the dielectric properties of the stratum corneum. Since water has a much higher dielectric constant than most other skin components, the Corneometer can accurately evaluate the hydration level of the outer skin layer within seconds
Features
Objective melanin and erythema measurement
Quantifies skin pigmentation and redness using two separate values: Melanin Index and Erythema Index.
Fast and easy measurement
Provides results in approximately 1 second, making it practical for clinical studies, product testing, and routine evaluations.
High sensitivity on a broad scale
Measures melanin and erythema on a broad 0–999 scale, allowing even small changes in skin colour to be traced.
Optional continuous measurement
Supports continuous measurements over a longer period for monitoring dynamic skin responses.
Compact, lightweight, and reproducible
The small probe is easy to handle on different body sites, while the spring mechanism in the probe head ensures constant pressure for reliable measurements.
Easy accuracy check and cleaning
The probe accuracy can be checked easily at any time, and the probe head can be cleaned after each measurement.
Ideal for pigmentation and redness studies
Suitable for evaluating hyperpigmentation, tanning, brightening, erythema, irritation, inflammation, and redness reduction.
Globally established scientific method
The Mexameter® is widely used in scientific studies and can be integrated into the Courage + Khazaka MPA system for multi-parameter skin analysis.
Technology
The Mexameter® MX 18 measurement is based on the principle of light absorption and reflection. The probe emits three specific wavelengths of light onto the skin, and a receiver measures the amount of light reflected back from the skin surface.
Because the emitted light quantity is defined, the system can calculate how much light is absorbed by the skin. This absorption is then used to determine two separate parameters: Melanin Index and Erythema Index.
For melanin measurement, the Mexameter® uses two selected wavelengths: red light at 660 nm and near-infrared light at 880 nm. These wavelengths are chosen because they correspond to different absorption rates by skin pigments.
For erythema measurement, the probe uses green light at 568 nm and red light at 660 nm. These wavelengths correspond to the spectral absorption characteristics of hemoglobin and help reduce the influence of other skin colour factors, such as bilirubin.
This optical measurement method allows the Mexameter® MX 18 to provide fast, objective, and reproducible evaluation of skin pigmentation and redness.
Application
Pigmentation and hyperpigmentation studies
Quantitative evaluation of melanin level, dark spots, uneven skin tone, tanning response, and pigmentation changes.
Dermatology and clinical research
Measure changes in stratum corneum hydration in studies involving dry skin, sensitive skin, barrier function, and treatment follow-up.
Erythema and redness assessment
Measurement of skin redness related to irritation, inflammation, sensitive skin, post-treatment response, or product reaction.
Claim substantiation and clinical studies
Supports objective before-and-after data for claims such as “reduces redness,” “improves skin tone uniformity,” “brightening effect,” and “helps reduce visible pigmentation.”
Available Configuration
The Mexameter® MX 18 is available in multiple configurations: as a stand-alone MDD 4 device, Software-based MPA systems, or as a wireless probe.
MPA
MDD 4
Wireless
FAQs
What does the Mexameter® MX 18 measure?
The Mexameter® MX 18 measures two skin colour-related parameters: melanin content and erythema level. It provides separate quantitative values for pigmentation and skin redness.
How does the Mexameter® MX 18 work?
The Mexameter® MX 18 works based on light absorption and reflection. The probe emits specific wavelengths of light onto the skin, and a receiver measures the reflected light. The system then calculates Melanin Index and Erythema Index based on the light absorbed by the skin.
How fast is the measurement?
The measurement is very fast and provides results in approximately 1 second, making it suitable for clinical studies, product testing, and routine skin evaluation.
What types of products or treatments can be evaluated with the Mexameter®?
The Mexameter® is commonly used to evaluate brightening products, anti-redness formulations, soothing products, sunscreens, after-sun care, dermatological treatments, and products targeting pigmentation or skin tone uniformity.
Can the Mexameter® MX 18 be used for claim substantiation?
Yes. The accuracy of the Mexameter® 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 Corneometer® probe require calibration?
Yes. To maintain measurement accuracy and reliability, the Mexameter® probe should be calibrated every 2 years. 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.
What control unit do I need to use the Mexameter® MX 18?
The Mexameter® MX 18 is compatible with all MPA series systems and the MDD system. A wireless version of the probe is also available.
Join Our Newsletter Now
Get updates on new instruments, testing insights, and industry news delivered to your inbox.
Discover
- In-vivo Testing
- 3D Imaging
- In-vitro Testing
- Aesthetic Consultation
- Skin-On-Chip
- VITRO-SKIN®
- Allergy Testing
Resource
- Latest News
- Equipment Rental
- FAQ
- Contact
