No products in the cart.
Sebumeter® SM 815
Determination of oil levels on the skin surface, scalp, and hair
Overview
The Sebumeter® SM 815 is a scientific probe designed to measure the sebum level on the skin surface, scalp, and hair. Developed by Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH, it is widely used in cosmetic research, dermatology studies, product development, and claim substantiation.
For over 30 years, the Sebumeter® has been the most used instrument worldwide for the accurate and reproducible measurement of the sebum level of the skin surface and scalp. There is a large scientific literature in which the term “sebometry” is used for measurements made with this instrument.
Features
Quantitative sebum measurement
Measures the amount of sebum on the skin surface, scalp, and hair.
Photometric measurement principle
Uses a special sebum-sensitive tape that becomes transparent after absorbing surface lipids
Fast and non-invasive testing
Provides quick measurements without damaging or irritating the skin, scalp, or hair.
Suitable for oily skin and scalp evaluation
Ideal for assessing oiliness, seborrhea-prone skin, greasy scalp, and product effects on surface lipids.
Useful for cosmetic and dermatology research
Supports studies involving cleansers, shampoos, anti-sebum products, mattifying formulations, and scalp-care products.
Before-and-after comparison
Allows researchers to compare baseline and follow-up measurements after product application or treatment.
Objective product efficacy data
Provides numerical results that can support product development, performance evaluation, and claim substantiation.
Compatible with the MPA system
Can be integrated into the Courage + Khazaka MPA platform and combined with other probes for multi-parameter skin and scalp analysis.
Simple handling and standardized measurement
Designed for easy use with reproducible measurements under controlled study conditions.
Reproducible measurement conditions
The spring mechanism in the cartridge head provides constant pressure on the skin, helping ensure precise and repeatable measurements.
Simple accuracy verification
The device accuracy can be checked at any time using a dedicated calibration check tool.
Globally established method
The Sebumeter® is internationally recognized as the standard method for “sebumetry” and is supported by a broad range of scientific studies.
Supports product efficacy and claim substantiation
Provides objective data for evaluating cleansers, shampoos, mattifying products, anti-sebum formulations, and scalp-care treatments.
Key Benefits
Sebum-specific measurement
The special Sebumeter® tape reacts specifically to skin surface sebum and is not influenced by the skin’s water content.
Fast and easy testing
Measurements are quick and simple, helping reduce the risk of occlusion during testing.
High measurement accuracy
Zero calibration before each measurement supports accurate and reliable sebum assessment.
Easy handling on different body areas
The probe is small and lightweight, making it convenient for measurements on the face, scalp, hair, and other body sites.
Technology
The Sebumeter® SM 815 measures sebum using the principle of grease spot photometry. During measurement, the matte tape inside the Sebumeter cartridge is placed in contact with the skin, scalp, or hair. When the tape absorbs sebum from the surface, it becomes more transparent according to the amount of lipid present in the measured area.
After contact with the measurement site, the tape is inserted into the aperture of the device, where its transparency is evaluated by a photocell. The level of light transmission through the tape is then used to determine the sebum content. Higher transparency indicates a higher sebum level.
The measurement is performed quickly and non-invasively, without affecting the skin surface. The probe only evaluates the superficial hydration level, making it highly suitable for moisturizing efficacy studies, cosmetic product testing, dermatological research, and claim substantiation.
The Probe Cartridge
The Sebumeter® cartridge contains a special matte tape designed for sebum measurement. The measuring head exposes a 64 mm² measuring area of the tape for each test.
For every new measurement, the tape is advanced using the trigger on the side of the cartridge, exposing a fresh section of tape. The used tape is rewound inside the cartridge, helping maintain clean and hygienic handling.
Each cartridge can be used for approximately 400 measurements. The scale from 1 to 0 on the trigger indicates how much unused tape remains. Once the tape is finished, the cartridge is simply replaced for hygiene and measurement consistency.
Application
Oily skin and sebum evaluation
Quantitative assessment of skin surface oiliness, shine, and sebum production on the face and other body areas.
Cosmetic and dermatological product testing
Ideal for assessing cleansers, shampoos, mattifying products, anti-sebum formulations, and acne-prone skin care products.
Scalp and hair oiliness studies
Measurement of sebum on the scalp and hair for evaluating greasy scalp, hair-care routines, and scalp treatment effects.
Claim substantiation and efficacy studies
Supports before-and-after comparisons and provides objective data for claims such as oil-control, shine reduction, mattifying effect, and sebum balance.
Available Configuration
The Sebumeter® SM 815 is available in multiple configurations: as a stand-alone MDD 4 device, integrated into the Derma Unit SSC 3 or MPA systems.
MPA
MDD 4
SSC 3
FAQs
What does the Sebumeter® SM 815 measure?
The Sebumeter® SM 815 measures the amount of sebum on the skin surface, scalp, and hair. It provides objective, quantitative data for evaluating oiliness and surface lipid levels.
How does the Sebumeter® SM 815 work?
The measurement is based on grease spot photometry. A special matte tape absorbs sebum from the measurement area and becomes more transparent. The device then measures the tape’s light transmission to determine the sebum content.
Is the measurement affected by skin hydration?
No. The special Sebumeter® tape reacts specifically to surface sebum and is independent of the skin’s water content.
What control unit do I need to use the Sebumeter® SM 815?
The Sebumeter® SM 815 requires a compatible Courage + Khazaka control unit, such as the MPA system. Depending on the configuration, it can be used with systems such as the MPA 580 or other compatible C+K base units and software platforms. This allows the Sebumeter® to be operated as part of a complete skin testing system and combined with other probes for multi-parameter skin and scalp analysis.
For systems such as MPA 2 or MDD 4, where there is no built-in Sebumeter® port, the external Sebumeter® SM 815 is the appropriate option.
What types of products can be tested with the Sebumeter®?
The Sebumeter® is commonly used to evaluate cleansers, shampoos, mattifying products, anti-sebum formulations, scalp-care products, and cosmetic or dermatological treatments targeting oiliness.
How many measurements can one cartridge perform?
Each Sebumeter® cartridge can be used for approximately 400 measurements. The cartridge includes a scale from 1 to 0 to show how much unused tape remains.
Is there a calibration or accuracy check method?
Yes. A zero calibration is performed before each measurement to support high accuracy. The device accuracy can also be checked at any time using a dedicated calibration check tool.
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
