A novel technique (based on the binding capacity of cream residues, a 'bead adherence test') was developed to assess the stickiness of creams after application to the skin. A study was carried out in 24 healthy volunteers in order to relate this technique to the subjective tactile perception of four topical pharmaceutical cream bases. In comparison with Essex creme, Linola creme fett and cremor cetomacrogolis, an experimental nanoparticle water-in-oil (w/o) cream produced significantly lower stickiness values in the bead adherence test at 1 and 2 min after application. These results corresponded with the results obtained through a questionnaire dealing with the cosmetic attribute 'stickiness'. The questions concerned the cream's 'thickness', 'fattiness', 'vanishing properties' and 'appropriateness for daily use'. The nanoparticle w/o cream was preferred overall in a paired comparison preference test. In conclusion, the bead adherence test enabled the objective assessment of the stickiness of a preparation after application to the skin. This stickiness parameter was demonstrated to correspond to the tactile perception of a cream.