English to French Science Cosmetics, Beauty assessment of skin sensitization

For testing skin penetration, we use human skin explants in permeation studies. Additionally, in order to determine the skin irritation of chemical products and cosmetics, we use an in vitro model of reconstructed human epidermis, a model validated by XXX as an alternative method to animal testing. With partners, we also have developed a *soft prediction method* for the evaluation of skin sensitization as well as methods to assess skin sensibilization. Such methods allow cosmetic firms to choose safe products for their formulations.

Il s'agit d'un article scientifique sur les tests menés en R&D dans le domaine des cosmétiques, notamment, ici, sur l'évaluation de la sensibilisation de la peau.

"Soft prediction method" me pose problème, car je ne comprends pas ce qui est "soft", ni ce que recouvre ce terme.

Des idées ? Merci d'avance!