Photobiology

Global expertise, personal touch

Comprehensive Photobiology and Sunscreen SPF Testing Services

Photobiology is the scientific study of the interactions between ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the skin. For cosmetic and personal care brands, this science is the foundation of sun protection, providing the framework for developing effective products and substantiating their performance claims. In a competitive market governed by stringent global regulations, scientifically rigorous SPF testing is not just a quality control measure it is a critical component of a successful product launch.

At Eurofins CRL, we provide the robust, defensible data you need to innovate with confidence. Our laboratories provide specialised photobiology testing services tailored for finished products, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance prior to market launch. A late-stage testing failure can result in significant financial losses and delay a product's launch. We offer both in vitro and in vivo testing options, with in vivo methods strongly recommended for accurate SPF evaluation. In vitro testing is typically used for preliminary or water-resistance assessments, allowing clients to define the approach that best aligns with their product strategy. We act as your scientific partner, ensuring your formulations are optimised for performance and prepared for global regulatory scrutiny. Our value proposition is simple: we provide the scientific support required to meet global regulatory demands and launch successful, trusted products in the sun care market.

Comprehensive Sunscreen Testing Solutions

Our capabilities cover the full spectrum of modern sun care SPF testing, providing the precise data needed to support your product’s efficacy, safety, and marketing claims. Each service is conducted according to the highest global standards to ensure your results are accurate, repeatable, and ready for regulatory submission.

SPF Determination (UVB Protection): We provide precise Sun Protection Factor (SPF) determination, the global standard for UVB protection. Our clinical studies adhere to the gold-standard ISO 24444:2019 methodology as well as the requirements of the FDA Monograph, ensuring your product's primary efficacy claim is indisputable. We provide expert guidance on the science of SPF, a measure of protection against the amount of solar energy, not simply time in the sun.
Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection Assessment: A truly effective sunscreen must protect against both burning UVB rays and ageing UVA rays. However, the global regulatory landscape for UVA testing is highly fragmented. We offer a unified solution, with expertise in all major international standards. Whether you need ISO 24443 (in vitro UVAPF) for the European "UVA in a circle" logo, ISO 24442 (in vivo PPD) for the Asian PA++++ rating system, or the FDA's Critical Wavelength test for a US "Broad-Spectrum" claim, we provide the specific data required for each market.
Water Resistance & Specialised Claims: To stand out in a crowded market, brands require data to support specialised claims. We conduct water resistance testing for both 40-minute and 80-minute claims according to ISO 16217 & ISO 18861 protocols. We also offer testing to substantiate other valuable claims, such as sweat resistance, sand resistance, and effective application on wet skin.

State-of-the-Art Testing Facilities

Our commitment to accuracy is reflected in our state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation. Our laboratories are equipped with advanced solar simulators, including Xenon Arc lamps, which are meticulously calibrated to meet the strict spectral output requirements defined by ISO and other global standards. This ensures that the UV radiation used in our tests precisely mimics natural sunlight. Beyond technology, our greatest asset is our expert team. Our seasoned scientists, clinical technicians, and regulatory specialists do more than just generate data they provide consultative support, helping you interpret complex results and navigate the path to compliance.

Industries & Applications

Our photobiology expertise serves a range of industries where sun protection is a critical factor for product performance and safety.

Cosmetics and personal care
Pharmaceuticals (OTC drugs)
Textiles and materials (UPF testing)
Research and development

Why Choose Eurofins CRL for Photobiology Testing

Global Reach & Regulatory Expertise: We possess the deep regulatory knowledge and technical capabilities to do photostability testing for any market you plan to enter, simplifying the complexity of a global launch.
Scientific Rigour and Accuracy: Our ISO-accredited photobiological safety testing laboratories and strict adherence to global standards deliver data you can trust for regulatory submissions and marketing claims.
Strategic Partnership: We support you from early-stage R&D screening to final validation, helping you optimise formulas, make data-driven decisions, and mitigate development risks.
End-to-End Solutions: From SPF record test and UVA to water resistance, phototoxicity, and white cast testing, we are your single-source partner for all photobiology testing needs.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between SPF and Broad Spectrum?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) primarily measures a product's ability to protect against UVB radiation, the main cause of sunburn. "Broad Spectrum" indicates that a product also provides significant protection against UVA radiation, which contributes to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Different regions have different standards for substantiating this claim.

Q2. How long does sunscreen testing take?

Timelines vary by test type. In vitro tests for R&D screening can often be completed within days, providing rapid feedback for formulators. In vivo clinical studies are more extensive, typically requiring several weeks for subject recruitment, testing, and final reporting.

Q3. What is the difference between in vivo and in vitro sunscreen testing?

In vivo testing is conducted on human volunteers and is the gold standard for final efficacy validation and regulatory claims. In vitro testing is conducted in a lab on synthetic substrates and is used for R&D, formula screening, and quality control due to its speed and lower cost.

Q4. Why is sunscreen SPF testing done at an application of 2 mg/cm2?

This amount is the globally standardised application density used in all official SPF check tests to ensure results are consistent and comparable worldwide. However, consumers often apply much less, creating a "protection gap" where the real-world protection is lower than the labelled SPF. This highlights the importance of creating white-cast-freecosmetically elegant formulas that encourage liberal application.

Q5. What do I need to provide to start a study?

To initiate a study, you will typically need to provide the final product formulation, safety documentation (as required), and a clear outline of your photostability testing objectives and target markets. Our team will guide you through the specific sample volume and documentation requirements for your project.

Q6. What is the difference between in vitro and in vivo sunscreen testing, and when should each be used?

In Vivo Testing (Human Testing):

Conducted on human volunteers.
It is the gold standard for final efficacy validation, particularly for SPF and water resistance claims.
Provides accurate real-world results and is essential for meeting FDA and ISO regulatory claims.
Test Example: FDA Static + 80 min WR, ISO Static + 40 min WR.

In Vitro Testing (Laboratory Testing):

Conducted on synthetic substrates or lab models.
Used for preliminary testing, formula screening, or water resistance assessment.
It is faster and more cost-effective than in vivo testing.
Test Example: ISO 24443, ISO UVAPF for broad-spectrum protection.

Test Type	In Vivo (Human Testing)	In Vitro (Laboratory Testing)
Purpose	Accurate final efficacy	Preliminary screening and R&D
Regulatory Claims	Required for SPF and WR	Used for SPF, UVA, and WR claims
Example Tests	FDA Static + 80 min WR, ISO Static + 40 min WR	ISO 24443, ISO UVAPF

Q7. How do I know if my sunscreen formula is broad-spectrum, and what testing is required for this claim?

To make a broad-spectrum claim, your sunscreen must provide protection against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) radiation. Different markets have specific requirements for testing:

In-Vivo Testing (ISO 24442 for PPD or FDA Critical Wavelength Test) is required for in vivo broad-spectrum claims.
In-Vitro Testing (ISO 24443 for UVAPF) is typically used for European claims or preliminary broad-spectrum claims.

Test Type	Provides Broad-Spectrum Protection	Required Subjects	Regulatory Standard
ISO 24443 (In Vitro)	Yes (UVAPF for UVA protection)	10 valid subjects	EU “UVA in a Circle” logo.
ISO 24442 (In Vivo)	Yes (PPD for UVA protection)	10 valid subjects	Asia PA++++ rating system.
FDA Critical Wavelength	Yes	10 valid subjects	US "Broad-Spectrum" claim

Q8. What is the testing required for water resistance claims, and how long does it take?

Water resistance testing is critical to substantiating claims that a sunscreen will continue to protect after swimming or sweating. We offer two types of water resistance testing, each conducted under different time protocols:

40-Minute Water Resistance: Follows ISO 16217.
80-Minute Water Resistance: Follows ISO 18861.

These tests are typically required to substantiate water resistance claims in global markets.

Test Type	Provides Water Resistance Claim	Test Duration	Regulatory Standard
ISO 16217 (40 min)	Yes	40 minutes	International.
ISO 18861 (80 min)	Yes	80 minutes	International