The manufacturer, when introducing a cosmetic with UV filters to the market, is obligated to carry out tests confirming the protection of the preparation against UVB and UVA radiation.
The determination of the amount of the UVB sun protection factor (SPF) consists in measuring and comparing the value of the minimum erythema dose for the skin protected with the cosmetic with the value of the minimum erythema dose for unprotected skin. The test for determination of the degree of UVA protection (UVA-PF) is performed using the in vitro method with a specialized device and PMMA plates.
After exposure to UV radiation, the phototoxicity and photoallergy assessment is performed in order to exclude the occurrence of allergic or toxic changes.
The scope of UV tests in our laboratory includes:
- determination of the sun protection factor SPF using the in vivo method,
- determination of the sun protection factor SPF using the in vitro method,
- determination of the level of UVA protection factor using the in vitro method,
- determination of the level of UVA protection factor using the in vivo method,
- water resistance test (WR),
- very water resistance test (VWR),
- sweat resistance test (SR),
- very sweat resistance test (VSR),
- photoallergy,
- phototoxicity,
- Blue Light Protection in vitro,
- Visible Light Protection in vitro,
- IR Light Protection in vitro,
- photostability assessment in vitro.
Depending on the type of test, we perform UV tests in accordance with:
- ISO 24444: 2019 + AMD 2022,
- ISO 24443: 2021,
- ISO 24442:2022,
- ISO 16217:2020 + ISO 18861:2020,
- Cosmetic Europe Guidelines For Evaluating Sun Product Water Resistance (December, 2005),
- FDA Guidance for Industry – Labeling and Effectiveness Testing: Sunscreen Drug Products for OTC Human Use (2012).