Pantone launches world’s first colour technology validation program for skin tones

Pantone (Carlstadt, NJ), a global authority on colour and provider of professional colour tools for designers, has launched Pantone SkinTone Validated – a new patent-pending technology program that allows display, TV, mobile device and printer manufacturers to have their devices tested for authentically reproducing Pantone SkinTones, derived from the Pantone SkinTone Guide. The new program will help provide confidence to companies and consumers that the colors they’re seeing on their tested devices can authentically reproduce skin tones as defined by the Pantone SkinTone Guide.

The company added that, with virtually every generation demanding that brands truly represent equality and inclusivity, the Pantone SkinTone Validated Program provides “another level of product trust that each skin tone represents an individual’s authentic self.” The program is the world’s first testing and validation program with a U.S. patent pending for testing methodology. Pantone SkinTone Validated is an extension of Pantone Validated, a certification program that highlights whether an electronic display or print device can authentically reproduce the colour standards from the Pantone Matching System.

For technology companies, achieving Pantone SkinTone Validated status helps display and print technology companies appeal to consumers who appreciate products that realize authenticity in the display of real-world colours, and that accurately represent the world’s palette of skin tones, as validated by Pantone, “the world’s leading colour authority.” Additionally, it advances the goal for technological products to be more inclusive than ever. Pantone SkinTone Validated leverages the already existing Pantone SkinTone Guide, the first scientifically based guide for matching and reproducing lifelike skin tones. Based on thousands of human skin measurements from a diverse range of ethnicities and age groups, the Pantone SkinTone Guide catalogues 110 discrete and unique skin tone colours.

“We are extremely proud to be on the cutting edge of inclusivity in technology with our Pantone SkinTone Validated program,” said Iain Pike, Director of Licensing & Business Development at Pantone. “We look forward to working with companies across industries to realize skin tone color accuracy in their products and services for a better and more accurate experience with their technology.”