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

Sunscreen testing, SPF test and UVA test confirm protection against UV radiation

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).

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) testing – UVB protection is assessed using an in vivo method, in accordance with international standards such as ISO 24444. The SPF value indicates the level of protection a product offers against UVB radiation, which is the main cause of sunburn and can contribute to the development of skin cancer. The test involves controlled skin exposure to artificial UVB radiation using a product with and without sunscreen.

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 ≤ )

UVA testing – UVA protection is evaluated using both in vivo and in vitro methods. The in vitro method, based on ISO 24443, involves measuring the absorption of UVA radiation by the product applied to a substrate (such as PMMA plates). This test determines the UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, including the UVA/UVB ratio.

The UVAPF factor should be at least 1/3 of the SPF value. This parameter is referred to as the UVA:UVB ratio.

Adequate UVA protection is crucial for preventing long-term skin damage such as photoaging and pigmentation.

We specialize in comprehensive testing of sun protection products, with a particular focus on determining their effectiveness against UVB and UVA radiation. Our laboratory offers a full range of SPF-related tests in compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements.

We offer the following SPF tests:

  • in vivo SPF test – to determine the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) evaluating protection against UVB radiation
  • in vivo UVA test – PPD
  • in vitro UVA-PF test, critical wavelength UVA:UVB ratio – to assess UVA protection using laboratory methods
  • ANTI-SAND test, sand resistance for SPF
  • Water resistance test in accordance with ISO standards or FDA guidelines- to verify the durability of sun protection after water exposure
  • Sweat resistance test using in vivo methods – to evaluate product performance under perspiration conditions
  • Wash-off efficacy of SPF products
  • Photoallergy test
  • Phototoxicity test

Our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced team ensure accurate, reliable, and regulatory-compliant results to support product claims and market approval. 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:

  • in vivo SPF test – results up to 10 days
  • in vitro UVA test – results in 10 days
Badania SPF kosmetyków, SPF test for cosmetic, SPF testing, SPF in vivo, SPF in vitro, UVA in vivo, UVA in vitro, critical wavelength, UVA:UVB ratio, sandproof for SPF, water resistance, photoallergy, phototoxicity, fotoalergia, fototoksyczność, SPF testing, Prüfung von Sonnenschutzmitteln, UVA-Test für Kosmetika, Sonnenschutzkosmetik test, ISO, FDA Guidelines, wodoodporność

Water Resistance Testing of Sunscreen Products in accordance with ISO standards or FDA guidelines

ISO Standard

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.

FDA Guidelines

The FDA defines the water resistance of products (e.g., sunscreens) based on their ability to maintain SPF effectiveness after exposure to water:

  • Water resistant (40 min.) – SPF protection is maintained after 40 minutes of water contact
  • Water resistant (80 min.) – SPF protection is maintained after 80 minutes of water contact

Tests are conducted according to FDA guidelines (21 CFR Parts 201 & 310) and involve product application under controlled conditions and a series of water baths. After exposure, sun protection effectiveness is measured compared to the initial value.

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