SPF testing for cosmetic, SPF test, UVA test. Water resistance test, sandproof for SPF, anti-sand test, photoallergy test, phototoxicity test, UVA testing, ISO, FDA Guidelines

Cosmetics and household chemicals testing laboratory

SPF Testing for Sunscreen and Cosmetic Products - What is SPF, how is it tested, and what is the scope of testing?

SPF testing is essential to verify the level of sun protection a cosmetic product provides. Sunscreens must provide effective protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. The level of protection against UVB radiation is determined by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), while protection against UVA radiation is determined by the UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF).

What is SPF, and why is SPF testing important?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a product’s ability to protect the skin against UVB radiation—the primary cause of sunburn and a significant risk factor for skin cancer. In the cosmetics sector, SPF testing is conducted in accordance with applicable standards, employing in vivo methods compliant with ISO 24444:2019, as well as in vitro methods meeting the requirements of EN ISO 23675:2024 (DOUBLE PLATE METHOD). This approach ensures precise, reliable, and scientifically validated results that are recognized within regulatory frameworks.

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Standardized SPF and UV Protection Testing in Our Laboratory:

  1. In vivo SPF test – method: ISO 24444:2019, we conduct in vivo testing to determine the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of your product under controlled clinical conditions. This gold-standard method evaluates product performance on human skin and measures its ability to protect against UVB-induced erythema.
  2. in vivo UVA test – PPD – method: ISO 24442:2022, this method evaluates the product’s ability to protect against long-wave UVA radiation, which is associated with photoaging, pigmentation, and DNA damage. Based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) response, this test is performed on human volunteers under controlled UVA exposure conditions.
  3. in vitro UVA-PF test, critical wavelength UVA:UVB ratio – method: ISO 24443:2021, Using UV spectrophotometry on PMMA plates, this test assesses the UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF), critical wavelength, and UVA:UVB ratio. It determines the extent to which a sunscreen filters longer-wave UVA rays—crucial for supporting broad-spectrum claims and preventing photoaging.
  4. Water Resistance test – method: ISO 18861:2020, ISO 16217:2020 or on the basis of FDA guidelines. We evaluate whether your sunscreen maintains its labeled SPF after water exposure, supporting claims like “Water-Resistant” or “Very Water-Resistant” for ISO Standard and Water Resistant 40 min. or Water Resistant 80 min. on the basis of FDA Guidlines.
  5. ANTI-SAND test, sand resistance for SPF – evaluates the product’s sand resistance, especially for beach-use claims.
  6. Sweat resistance test using in vivo methods – Conducted in vivo to determine sunscreen durability during perspiration.
  7. Wash-off efficacy of SPF products – assesses how effectively sunscreen remains on the skin after washing or rubbing.
  8. Photoallergy test – Detects allergic reactions induced by sunlight when combined with the product’s ingredients.
  9. Phototoxicity test – Identifies potential toxic reactions triggered by sunlight exposure after product application.

Regulatory Standards Governing SPF Testing

All sunscreen-related tests conducted in our laboratory are performed in strict compliance with recognized international standards, including:

  • ISO 24444:2019 – Cosmetics – Sun protection test methods- In vivo determination of the sun protection factor (SPF)
  • ISO 24442:2022 – Cosmetics – Sun protection test methods – In vivo determination of sunscreen UVA protection
  • ISO 24443:2021 –  Cosmetics – Determination of sunscreen UVA photoprotection in vitro.
  • ISO 23675:2024 (DOUBLE PLATE) – Cosmetics – Sun protection test methods – In vitro determination of sun protection factor (SPF)
  • ISO 18861:2020 – Cosmetics – Sun protection test methods – Percentage of water resistance
  • ISO 16217:2020 – Cosmetics – Sun protection test methods – Water immersion procedure for determining water resistance
  • AS/NZS 2604:2021 – Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classification
  • on the basis of FDA Guidlines
  • Proprietary methodologies

SPF Test Duration – How Long Does It Take?

We understand the importance of timely results in product development and regulatory submissions. That’s why we offer efficient turnaround times for our sun protection testing services:

  • in vivo SPF test, ISO 24444:2019 – results are typically delivered within up to 10 working days from the start of the test, depending on product type and sample readiness.
  • in vitro UVA test, ISO 24443 – the standard turnaround time is up to 10 working days.

Our laboratory operates with high efficiency while maintaining full compliance with international standards. We prioritize accuracy, reliability, and speed-helping you meet both regulatory and market deadlines.

Commission Recommendation of 22 September 2006 on the effectiveness of sunscreen products and related claims (Official Journal of the European Union)

EpiDermLab Laboratorium badawcze s.c., laboratory address: Poland, 30-613 Kraków, ul. Łowienicka 14, phone: +48 662 178 533, mail: biuro@epidermlab.pl, VAT-ID: PL9452271009