Summer is a particularly demanding season for cosmetic products. High temperatures, intense UV exposure, seawater and chlorinated water can all affect product performance and durability. At the same time, manufacturers must keep pace with evolving regulations governing ingredient safety and market compliance. In this article, we present the latest regulatory developments and laboratory testing methods that support the development of cosmetic products designed for summer conditions.
Omnibus VI Package – Simplifying Regulations for the Cosmetics Industry
The European Union has reached a political agreement on the Omnibus VI package, aimed at simplifying legislation covering, among other areas, cosmetics, the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) system, and fertilisers. The proposed changes are intended to reduce administrative burdens for businesses while maintaining a high level of consumer and environmental protection.
The most significant proposed changes include:
- shorter transitional periods for withdrawing cosmetic products containing CMR substances from the market. If a company does not apply for continued use of a particular substance, it will have six months to cease placing products on the market and twelve months to remove them entirely from the market,
- the possibility of applying for a derogation from the prohibition on the use of CMR substances. Applications may be submitted within twelve months of the adoption of the new classification,
- retention of the obligation to notify the European Commission of cosmetic products containing nanomaterials, while removing the current requirement to submit notifications six months before placing products on the market,
- an extension to fifteen months for updating product labels following a more restrictive classification of a substance or mixture.
At this stage, these provisions represent a political agreement and still require formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
Scientifically Proven Hair Protection Against UV Radiation, Seawater and Chlorinated Water
During the summer months, hair is exposed to numerous environmental factors that may negatively affect its condition. UV radiation, seawater and chlorinated pool water can contribute to moisture loss, structural damage, colour fading and increased hair fragility.
Laboratory testing enables manufacturers to evaluate the effectiveness of protective hair care products under conditions that closely reflect real-life use. Appropriate testing methods make it possible to verify whether a product:
- reduces UV-induced hair fibre degradation,
- protects hair colour against fading,
- helps maintain optimal moisture levels,
- improves hair condition and resilience after exposure to seawater or chlorinated water.
The resulting data provide reliable scientific evidence supporting product claims and strengthen the marketing communication of summer hair care products.
Long-Lasting Make-Up Verified with VISIA® Imaging Technology
High temperatures and increased humidity make long-lasting make-up one of the most important consumer expectations during the summer season.
Studies using the VISIA® imaging system combined with expert visual assessment based on standardised grading scales enable objective evaluation of changes in make-up appearance throughout wear.
These studies can substantiate claims related to:
- water resistance,
- rub resistance,
- make-up durability for 8, 12 or even 24 hours.
The combination of advanced imaging technology and expert evaluation provides manufacturers with reliable scientific evidence confirming product performance, particularly for make-up intended for demanding summer conditions.
UVAPF and In Vitro SPF Testing – Modern Approaches to Sun Protection Assessment
As expectations for the performance of sunscreen products continue to increase, in vitro testing methods are becoming increasingly important.
The UVAPF in vitro method, performed in accordance with ISO 24443:2021, enables reliable assessment of UVA protection without the involvement of human volunteers. The product is applied to PMMA plates and analysed spectrophotometrically before and after controlled UV exposure, allowing the determination of the UVAPF value and the critical wavelength.
Methods compliant with ISO 24443:2021 and ISO 23675:2024 offer:
- high repeatability,
- good correlation with reference methods,
- shorter testing times,
- lower costs compared with in vivo studies.
These methods provide valuable support for formulation development, quality control and the substantiation of sunscreen efficacy before products are introduced to the market.