The International Association for Applied Corneotherapy
Independence and Non-Product Alignment
Purpose
The International Association for Applied Corneotherapy (I.A.C.) is an independent, international, non-profit scientific association dedicated to advancing the science and clinical application of Corneotherapy. Our purpose is to promote evidence-based practice, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve professional standards through education, research, and the exchange of scientific knowledge.
Central to this mission is our commitment to maintaining complete independence from commercial influence.
Our Position
The I.A.C. is not aligned with, nor does it endorse, any individual skincare brand, manufacturer, product range, ingredient supplier, or commercial treatment system.
Corneotherapy is a methodology—not a brand.
The principles of Corneotherapy are founded upon scientific understanding of skin physiology, barrier function, corneobiology, and evidence-based clinical practice. These principles exist independently of any commercial product and may be applied using a range of appropriate formulations and treatment approaches that satisfy recognised corneotherapeutic principles.
Our responsibility is to the science of Corneotherapy and to the professionals who practise it—not to commercial interests.
Why Independence Matters
Maintaining organisational independence allows the Association to:
• Promote objective, evidence-based education.
• Encourage critical evaluation of emerging technologies, ingredients and treatment methodologies.
• Support open scientific discussion without commercial bias.
• Foster collaboration between researchers, educators, clinicians and practitioners from all sectors of the profession.
• Protect the integrity and credibility of Corneotherapy as a recognised scientific methodology.
• Ensure that educational standards are determined by scientific evidence rather than marketing influence.
Product Compatibility
The I.A.C. recognises that many commercially available products may be compatible with the principles of Corneotherapy.
Compatibility, however, should never be confused with endorsement.
Products should be evaluated according to their formulation, physiological compatibility with the skin barrier, scientific evidence, clinical performance, and their ability to support the objectives of Corneotherapy—not according to brand recognition, marketing claims, sponsorship, or commercial relationships.
No single manufacturer or product range can claim exclusive ownership of, or authority over, the practice of Corneotherapy.
Sponsorship
The Association welcomes appropriate sponsorship that supports its educational and scientific activities.
However:
• Sponsorship does not influence educational content, scientific publications, conference programmes, or clinical recommendations.
• Sponsors receive no editorial control over Association publications or educational resources.
• Sponsorship does not constitute endorsement of any product, ingredient, or treatment system.
• Scientific independence remains paramount in all Association activities.
Expectations of Members
Members of the I.A.C. are encouraged to develop their clinical decision-making through scientific understanding rather than brand loyalty.
Professional recommendations should always be based upon:
• the individual needs of the client or patient;
• current scientific evidence;
• sound clinical reasoning;
• recognised principles of Corneotherapy; and
• ethical professional practice.
Members are encouraged to remain open to new research while applying critical appraisal to all commercial claims.
Protecting the Integrity of Corneotherapy
As Corneotherapy continues to gain international recognition, its terminology and principles are increasingly referenced throughout the skincare industry.
The Association believes that the integrity of Corneotherapy depends upon preserving its scientific foundations and preventing the methodology from becoming synonymous with any single commercial entity.
Our commitment to remaining non-product aligned protects:
• the credibility of Corneotherapy;
• the independence of practitioners;
• the confidence of consumers; and
• the long-term advancement of evidence-based skin therapy.
Statement of Commitment
The International Association for Applied Corneotherapy remains steadfast in its commitment to scientific integrity, professional independence, and unbiased education.
We will continue to champion Corneotherapy as an evidence-based methodology guided by research, clinical expertise, and ethical practice—not by commercial affiliation.
By remaining independent of individual brands and manufacturers, we ensure that the science of Corneotherapy remains accessible, objective, and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for practitioners, patients, and the wider profession.
Latest update: 11 July 2026
