Pantone Launches World’s First Validation Program for Skin Tones

Pantone has launched the Pantone SkinTone Validated program, which is an addition to its existing validation program for colors and is the first such program that will attempt to validate the appearance of skin tones in displays and print.

The new patent-pending technology program will allow display, TV, mobile devices, and printer manufacturers to have devices tested for what Pantone describes as “authentically reproducing” skin tones. The value of those tones is determined by Pantone’s current specifications.

Pantone, a wholly-owned subsidiary of X-Rite, says that SkinTone Validated leverages its existing Pantone SkinTone guide, which it says is the first scientifically based guide for matching and reproducing lifelike skin tones. The company says its guide is based on thousands of human skin measurements from a diverse range of ethnicities and age groups and catalogs 110 discrete and unique skin tone colors.

Pantone says that the program is designed to help technology companies meet the demand for equality and inclusivity in their products.

“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 company claims.

“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 colors, and that accurately represent the world’s palette of skin tones, as validated by Pantone, the world’s leading color authority.”

Pantone says that display manufacturer BenQ is one of the first to partner with Pantone on the SkinTone Validation program and has achieved Pantone Validated for PMS Colors on select DesignVue PD and PhotoVue SW Models and Pantone SkinTone Validated for DesignVue PD3205U and PD2705U models. Pantone says it expects some displays in the PhotoVue SW line to soon follow.

“Pantone SkinTone Validated, an extension of Pantone Validated, provides designers and photographers with products that realize authenticity in displaying real-world colors and accurately representing the world’s palette of skin tones,” says Conway Lee, President of BenQ Corporation. “BenQ has forged AQCOLOR Technology and is proud to join the global community of color professionals who trust the Pantone system to deliver accurate colors.”