SPF Record Test: How Laboratories Certify Sunscreen Protection Levels

Market entry for sunscreen products requires validation beyond initial formulation. Verification of protection levels against industry standards is mandatory. For cosmetic formulators and brand teams, the SPF record test is a critical element of regulatory readiness. Selecting an appropriate laboratory and ensuring that all testing procedures align with global expectations supports claim accuracy, regulatory compliance, and commercial confidence.

A formulation team might expect an SPF 50 result during early tests. However, formal evaluations often show significant differences.

Comparative studies indicate variability in mineral sunscreen performance. These sunscreens include those with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This underscores the necessity of laboratory-verified SPF performance. It helps reduce the risk of false claims and delays in market entry.

Why SPF Record Testing Matters for Compliance and Commercial Success

Regulatory authorities and retailers expect sunscreen formulations to undergo rigorous compliance testing and conformance tests before entering the market. Incomplete or inaccurate data can compromise claim validity and disrupt commercial timelines.

Reliable SPF data supports:

• Compliance with EU, ISO, FDA and regional expectations
• Accurate SPF and UVA claims
• Lower risk of reformulation
• Stronger compliance management
• Smoother retailer onboarding

When combined with a structured compliance testing program, SPF record documentation enhances audit readiness and supports long-term governance.

What the SPF Record Test Involves

A complete spf record check includes several complementary evaluations. Laboratories within the Eurofins network of companies perform these assessments using internationally recognised testing procedures and validated equipment.

In Vivo SPF Measurement (ISO 24444)

This type of testing measures UVB protection under controlled UV exposure conditions. It involves:

• Applying sunscreens at a standardized thickness 
• Measuring Minimal Erythema Dose (MED)
• Calculating SPF from protected vs unprotected skin
• Ensuring consistent film formation when applying sunscreens

Variables such as UV output, application uniformity and laboratory environmental controls significantly influence the test process.

In Vitro UVA Protection Testing (ISO 24443)

This is essential for broad-spectrum sunscreens. It evaluates:

• UVA absorbance on PMMA plates
• Photostability after controlled irradiation
• UVA-PF values against regulatory thresholds

This supports balanced sunscreen protection claims across UVB and UVA.

Photostability Assessment

Photostability is especially critical for mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as well as formulations using photo-labile organic filters. Testing examines:

• Pre- and post-irradiation absorbance
• Filter stability under prolonged UV exposure
• Impact on claim durability

Water-Resistance Testing

Where water-resistance claims are intended, laboratories conduct:

• Standardized immersion 
• Post-immersion SPF verification
• Conformance with region-specific claim requirements

Full SPF Record Documentation

A complete SPF record check includes: 

• Raw data
• Calibration records
• Method references
• Environmental conditions
• Validated SPF and UVA-PF results

These documents support PIF submission, audits and retailer assessments.

Selecting the Right Laboratory for SPF Record Testing

Choosing a laboratory is a strategic decision. Cosmetic brands should assess laboratories on governance, scientific rigor, and alignment with industry standards, rather than cost or timelines alone.

Key considerations include:

Method Expertise and Global Alignment

The laboratory should offer:

• ISO 24444, ISO 24443 and ISO 24442
• In-vitro broad-spectrum assessments
• Photostability evaluations
• Water-resistance methods

This ensures the laboratory can support all relevant markets and claims.

Equipment Quality and Calibration

Advanced solar simulators and validated measurement equipment are essential. Laboratories should maintain:

• Routine calibration
• Documented performance checks
• Traceable quality controls

This supports reliable, reproducible outcomes.

Data Integrity and Compliance Governance

Reliable SPF records depend on:

• ALCOA+ data integrity principles
• Transparent documentation
• Controlled study environments
• Robust compliance management processes

These factors ensure that performing compliance tests produces defensible, audit-ready results.

Facility Transparency and Access

Credible laboratories allow:

• Facility audits
• Quality system reviews
• Study monitoring, where appropriate
• Access to calibration records

Transparency is essential to reduce the risk of regulatory challenges.

Testing Requirements to Plan Before Launch

Formulators should define testing needs early to ensure timely launch readiness:

• Target market compliance requirements
• Intended claims (SPF 30 vs SPF 50+, broad-spectrum, water resistance)
• Packaging-specific stability and expiry requirements
• Market approval documentation

Early planning supports an efficient testing process and minimises the risk of reformulation.

Key Questions to Ask an SPF Testing Laboratory

Brands should ask:

• Can the laboratory support my target-market standards?
• What testing procedures and methods are available?
• How is equipment calibrated and documented?
• What data integrity systems are in place?
• Can the laboratory provide full transparency during studies?
• Are water-resistance and broad-spectrum assessments available?

These questions help ensure the laboratory can support long-term compliance needs.

Conclusion

The SPF record test is a foundational component in validating sunscreen efficacy, ensuring accurate claims and meeting global regulatory expectations. Eurofins companies test SPF, UVA, water resistance, and photostability. They use industry standards for these tests. This provides the necessary documents for regulatory compliance and market entry.

Selecting the right laboratory strengthens claim accuracy, supports regulatory confidence, and enhances commercial readiness. A robust compliance testing program helps brands launch products that can withstand regulatory scrutiny and uphold consumer trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “test SPF” mean in a laboratory context?
   
   "Test SPF" means checking a sunscreen's Sun Protection Factor. Researchers use accepted methods like ISO 24444 (in vivo SPF) to accomplish this. Laboratories find the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) on both protected and unprotected skin. This helps create a valid SPF value for regulatory submissions and to support claims.
   
   
2. SPF testing is based on which type of UV rays?
   
   SPF testing primarily relies on UVB radiation, which causes erythema (sunburn). Most compliance frameworks also require supporting evaluation of UVA protection, typically through ISO 24443 in vitro testing, to confirm balanced photoprotection.
   
   
3. How do laboratories “check an SPF record”?
   
   An SPF record check involves reviewing raw measurement data, calibration documentation, environmental test conditions, method adherence, and final SPF calculations. This information forms part of the technical dossier required for regulatory compliance and the Product Information File (PIF).
   
   
4. What is the difference between a sunscreen test and an SPF test?
   
   An SPF test measures only UVB protection. A sunscreen test is more comprehensive. It may include UVA-PF determination, photostability evaluation, and water-resistance assessment. It also includes other tests needed to support global claims.
   
   
5. What documentation do brands need after completing SPF testing?
   
   Brands need the final SPF and UVA-PF reports. They also require raw data sets and equipment calibration logs. Photostability outcomes and water-resistance results are needed if claimed. Additionally, method references should match the target markets. These documents support PIF submissions, audits, and retailer onboarding processes.
   
   
6. How does the Eurofins network of companies support SPF record testing?
   
   Laboratories within the Eurofins network of companies conduct SPF, UVA, photostability, and water-resistance evaluations using internationally recognised methodologies. The resulting data supports compliance documentation, multi-market claim verification, and regulatory submissions in global markets.