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

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SPF testing and UVA testing for Sunscreen Products

Sunscreen products must provide effective protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. The level of protection against UVB radiation is indicated by the SPF (Sun Protection Factor), while protection against UVA radiation is indicated by the UVA-PF (UVA Protection Factor).

In our laboratory, we perform specialized UV testing such as:

  • SPF in vivo test
  • UVA in vivo test
  • UVA in vitro test, critical wavelength, UVA:UVB ratio
  • ANTI-SAND test, sand resistance for SPF
  • Water resistance and high water resistance testing using in vivo and in vitro methods
  • Sweat resistance testing using in vivo methods
  • Wash-off efficacy of SPF products
  • Photoallergy testing
  • Phototoxicity testing

We conduct our tests in accordance with:

  • EN ISO 24442, EN ISO 24443, EN ISO 24444, EN ISO 23675 (DOUBLE PLATE)
  • FDA Guidelines

Deadline for SPF and UVA testing:

  • SPF in vivo- results up to 10 days
  • UVA in vitro- results in 10 days

SPF test and UVA-PF test – Effective Protection Against UV Radiation

In order to declare that a cosmetic protects against UV radiation, two factors must be tested:

  • SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – for UVB radiation
  • UVAPF (UVA Protection Factor) – for UVA radiation

The SPF factor should be given as a numerical value and an effectiveness category:

  • 6,10 – low (obtained value in the test = 6 – 14,9)
  • 15,25 – mean (obtained value in the test = 15 – 29,9)
  • 30,50 – high (obtained value in the test = 30 – 59,9)
  • 50+ very high (obtained value in the test = 60 ≤ )
The UVAPF factor should be at least 1/3 of the SPF value. This parameter is referred to as the UVA:UVB ratio.
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Water Resistance (WR) and Very Water Resistance (VWR) – Water Resistance testing of Sunscreen Products

Sunscreen is more valuable when it is waterproof.

The method for determining the water resistance of a sunscreen cosmetic – Water Resistance (WR) – is based on comparing the sun protection factor of the product after two 20-minute water baths at 29 ± 2°C to the sun protection factor obtained before immersion in water.

For cosmetics intended for children, we use a method to determine the high water resistance of the cosmetic – Very Water Resistance (VWR). It differs in that the high water resistance test uses not 2 but 4 baths.

The study must meet appropriate statistical criteria. The SPF value after bathing cannot be less than a specified percentage of the average SPF value before exposure.

In order to ensure reliable test results, we always use reference material (reference product) in the above methods.

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