Cosmetic Inspector: Test & Approve
Role: Modeling Lead & Software Developer
An educational simulation game about cosmetic safety testing! This project was developed during my participation in the iGEM 2025 competition held in Paris. The game teaches players about laboratory science, chemical safety, and the importance of proper cosmetic testing through an interactive, story-driven experience.
The Cosmetic Inspector game interface showing the laboratory environment
Main Purpose
We wanted to create a game where players could learn more about cosmetics, analyzers, and get to work as scientists. Our game teaches the consequences of incorrectly selecting and using uncertified cosmetics. Through simple algorithms, we guide a person to read instructions and make a decision properly.
The game introduces players to real-world testing techniques like biosensors, ICP-MS, ELISA, and gas chromatography, in a simplified, story-driven format.
Our mission:
🎯 Teach basic laboratory logic and decision-making
🎯 Raise awareness about chemical safety and banned substances
🎯 Inspire curiosity for chemistry and bioengineering
Biosensor Modeling
As the Modeling Lead, I also worked on the scientific backend of our iGEM project.
- ODE Simulations: Modeled biosensor dynamics using Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) based simulations to study hydroquinone-induced oxidative stress in engineered HEK293T cells.
- Experimental Validation: Compared predicted trends against 48+ experimental assay runs to guide lab iteration and optimize sensor performance.
Project History
This idea came to us on June 4th. Our main purpose was to teach gamers to identify hazardous components in cosmetics and apply this knowledge in life. We wanted to code something special that people will play for fun. After identifying in which style the game will be, we learnt to code with Unity and managed to finish our project thanks to teamwork.
Chronology
- June 4th – Forming an idea
- July 13th – Changing the description of the game and adding some mechanics
- July 29th – Adding designers and painters. Started to draw characters and other game elements
- September 15th – Adding coders
- October 2nd – Finishing the code
- October 7th – Uploading it to itch.io
Gameplay Overview
The Plot
The game consists of 7 levels (days) in which the player - in the role of a chemist working for the state - must adjust to new conditions - the addition of new analyzers, their own cosmetics analysis and the lack of product certification - and approve or reject the import of cosmetics to the market.
Starting from the first day, the game will guide and give instructions - through assistant Anna - on how to correctly complete tasks and analyze. Next, on days 6 and 7, the player must summarize all the skills and apply the accumulated knowledge without Anna's help. This is done in order to consolidate the material and freedom during the passage of the game.
The main goal of the player is to correctly decide whether to allow cosmetics or not. In case of a wrong decision, the game will not end and the player will have to change the decision.
The laboratory environment where players interact with analyzers and equipment
Game Content
Current Version – 1.0 (Oct 2025)
🧴 Day 1 – Learn to read ingredient lists & verify certificates
🧪 Day 2 – Use the Biosensor to detect Hydroquinone
🔍 Day 3 – Operate ICP-MS to check for heavy metals
🔬 Day 4 – Perform ELISA tests for hormone-like substances
💨 Day 5 – Run Gas Chromatography to detect solvents
📊 Day 6 – Combine all instruments for full analysis
🎓 Day 7 – Final Exam: prove your knowledge and get certified
🧠 Learn to analyze data, identify banned substances, and make ethical decisions as a lab tester.
Controls
- Walk: WASD
- Interact: E
- Open Reference Book: B
- Mouse: Click, Drag & Drop
Drag samples onto instruments, read the results, and decide whether to Approve ✅ or Reject ❌ the product.
Players analyze cosmetic samples using various scientific instruments
Mechanics
We used the usual WASD mechanics to move around the map. When approaching the analyzers and pressing the E key, the player can use the devices and equipment, and pressing the B key, the person takes out a book in which dangerous components inside cosmetics are indicated. Also, for instruction, we added Anna, who guides the player and tells them how to interact with the game. In order to proceed with Anna's next messages, a person must click on the button located on the right-bottom of the display panel.
The testing interface showing sample analysis and decision-making process
Technical Details
Platform: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)
Engine: Unity
Art Style: 2D Pixel Art
Genre: Educational Simulation
Impact
The gameplay forces the player to immerse himself in the world of science and ethics. The game makes you wonder if the price can really compensate for the health of people who used non-certified cosmetics. By applying critical thinking and product analysis, a person can further apply practical knowledge in real life. This may affect the informed choice of cosmetics in the future and the mandatory familiarization of the composition of cosmetic products.
The game was created to make laboratory science and chemical safety accessible and fun for everyone. Many students never get a chance to learn about how everyday products are tested before reaching store shelves.
Future Updates – v1.2
🧾 Expanded cosmetic database
🔍 Randomized samples for replayability
📘 Interactive encyclopedia of substances
🌟 Certification scoring system & multiple endings
Credits
Game Design & Programming
NIS Shymkent iGEM Team '25
Art & UI
NIS Shymkent iGEM Team '25
Music & SFX
All background music used under Creative Commons Attribution licenses. Sound effects by Kenney, licensed under CC0 (Public Domain).
Cosmetic Inspector represents an integration of game development, educational design, and synthetic biology to create an engaging learning experience. The project demonstrates how interactive media can make complex scientific concepts accessible and inspire curiosity in laboratory science and chemical safety.