Skin sensitization (allergic contact dermatitis, ACD), is a serious condition caused by small reactive molecules and is characterized by a delayed-type hypersensitivity. Animal tests were usually used in the evaluation of sensitizing potential of chemical substances in the past. However, there is an increasing interest from the public for reducing and ultimately replacing animal tests. The European Union (EU) has posed a ban on animal testing of cosmetic ingredients that includes skin sensitization since 2013. Therefore, alternative in vitro tests are the main tendency in chemical substances and cosmetic sensitizing potential research in the future. In this study, different kinds of in vitro test methods that were adopted by OECD or on research(LLNA, DPRA, KeratinoSens ^TM, h-CLAT)were reviewed through recent years literature, comprehensive introduction and evaluation were made to obtain reliable hazard and potency information on potential skin sensitizers.