Solar tests

Sun protection products planned to be implemented on the market
must have protection against UVA and UVB radiation confirmed by tests.

The level of protection against UVB radiation is determined by the SPF
factor, and against UVA radiation by the UVA-PF factor.

Beyond basic UV protection, manufacturers can also confirm additional declarations, including water resistance, sweat resistance, or exclude the
phototoxic and photoallergic properties of the products.

Depending on the sales region, tests can be performed using in vivo methods (with the participation of volunteers) and/or in vitro (on polymer plates imitating skin).

In the GBA Polska laboratory, we confirm the declarations:

  • SPF by in vivo and in vitro* methods
  • UVAPF by in vivo and in vitro* methods
  • Water resistance by in vivo and in vitro* methods
  • Very water resistance by in vivo and in vitro* methods
  • Phototoxic properties by in vivo method
  • Photoallergic properties by in vivo method
  • Blue light protection by in vitro* method
  • Visible light protection by in vitro* method
  • Infrared light protection by in vitro* method
  • Full spectrum protection (UV+VIS+IR) by in vitro* method
  • Photostability assessment by in vitro* method

Depending on the type of analysis, tests are performed in accordance

with the following standards:

  • 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 – Sun protection test methods – Determination of sunscreen UVA protection in vitro*
  • 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
  • FDA Guidance for Industry – Labeling and Effectiveness Testing: Sunscreen Drug Products for OTC Human Use (2012)*
  • own methods

*subcontracting service

The tests can be performed as pretests (5 results), continuations (5 results), or full tests (10 results). The laboratory advises on the selection of testing methodology to the requirements of a given sales market. The test report can be adapted to local product labeling requirements.

Examples of UVA protection labeling depending on region: