BioClover (previously Red Clover Farm) – Case Study

BioClover (previously Red Clover Farm) is a family-run business based in Mallow, County Cork, specialising in natural, plant-based skincare and herbal tea products designed to support women during perimenopause and menopause.

BioClover were seeking scientific validation for the skin health benefits of their products, with a focus on their ability to:

• Promote collagen production

(Collagen is a structural protein that helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Its natural decline with age contributes to fine lines and wrinkles. Products that support collagen synthesis may help preserve skin structure and reduce visible signs of ageing).

• Reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)

(TEWL is the process by which water evaporates from the skin’s surface. When TEWL is elevated, it can indicate a compromised skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, dehydration, and premature ageing. Products that reduce TEWL help retain moisture and support skin hydration).

• Protect the skin barrier under stress

(The skin barrier plays a critical role in defending against environmental stressors and maintaining moisture levels. Under stress conditions (e.g. exposure to irritants), maintaining barrier integrity is essential to prevent damage and preserve skin health).

• Reduce inflammation

(Inflammation is a natural biological response to stress, damage, or external irritants. In the context of skincare, reducing inflammation can help soothe the skin, minimise redness, and support recovery from irritation or environmental stress).

CABR conducted a series of in vitro tests to evaluate the potential skin benefits of BioClover natural skincare products:

1. Collagen Production – Non-cytotoxic concentrations of each product were assessed for their ability to support collagen production, a protein that helps keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient. This was measured using an ELISA test, a laboratory method used to detect and quantify specific proteins in skin cell samples.
2. Moisturisation and Barrier Protection – The same products were tested using the 3D SkinEthic™ Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE) model, a lab-grown skin model that mimics the outer layer of human skin. Moisture retention was assessed by measuring trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and barrier protection was evaluated by exposing the skin model to a chemical stressor.
3. Anti-inflammatory Activity – Red Clover Extract and C Serum were further assessed for their potential to calm skin irritation.

All of the tested BioClover products were found to be non-cytotoxic (safe for skin cells), confirming that none of the products cause harm to human skin cells at the tested levels.

Collagen Production 

• No increase in collagen production was observed with any of the products tested. 

Moisturisation and Skin Barrier Protection 

• The tested BioClover products demonstrated moisturising properties and it’s ability to support skin hydration. 

• Red Clover Extract and C Serum demonstrated their ability to maintain skin health under challenging conditions (exposure to a chemical stressor). 

• Red Clover Extract and C Serum showed anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting that both products have potential skin-soothing and anti-irritation properties. 

“I’ve worked with the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR), and their support has been instrumental in building my new business. I’m delighted with the professional results and excited to now be moving on to a new portfolio of ingredients and actives. Without Dr Tim Yeomans and the staff, this would never have been possible. They were always just a phone call away and provided incredible guidance and support throughout the process”

— Sinead O’Keeffe, Cosmetic Chemist & Founder, BioClover