"Pharmaplast began to work with CE.way almost one year ago. CE.way is our cosmetics consultant who look after compilation of PIF, safety assessments and CPNP notifications. Working with CE.way has been a joy so far. Their replies are very swift and Mr Tadej is very cooperative, helpful and with a deep knowledge about the cosmetics regulations."
Efficacy testing
Sun protection factor (SPF), UVA & water resistance testing
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) testing evaluates the ability of sunscreen products to protect the skin against ultraviolet (UVB) radiation under controlled test conditions. The results are used to determine the SPF value, support product development, verify product performance and substantiate sun protection claims.
Our laboratory performs SPF testing in accordance with internationally recognised standards, providing reliable data to support product development, product labelling and regulatory documentation.
The science
UVA and UVB protection
The science
UVA and UVB protection
UV light is made up of a wide spectrum of wavelengths - UVA, UVB and UVC rays. UVC rays are the strongest and most dangerous ones, but fortunately, they are absorbed by the ozone layer and Earth's atmosphere. However, we are exposed to the other two wavelengths, UVA light (320-400nm) and UVB light (280-320 nm).
UVB has a shorter wavelength and triggers the synthesis of vitamin D, which occurs in the skin. However, it also causes short term damage (e.g. sunburn) as well as DNA damage. UVA has a longer wavelength and therefore reaches deeper layers of the skin. It causes long-term damage (such as skin cancer) and photoaging.
Sunscreen products must protect against UVA and UVB radiation. They need to comply with the requirements of the minimum efficacy, which includes a minimum UVB protection of sunscreen factor 6, a minimal UVA protection factor of 1/3 of the sun protection factor and a critical wavelength of 370 nm.
All products, which claim to offer sun protection, have to be adequately supported by standardized and reproducible testing methods.
Additional claims
Water resistant
Many newer sunscreens have additional claims such as: "water resistant", "very water resistant". Water resistance is measured with rating of 40 or 80. The rating indicates how long the sunscreen remains effective while swimming or sweating. If the sunscreen is water resistant, it must be marked with rating of 40, which means that after 40 minutes the sunscreen remains effective. If it is very water resistant than it must be marked with 80, which means that sunscreen is effective 80 minutes.
Why it matters
Signs of sun damage
Cumulative sun exposure can cause various skin damage, such as photoaging, DNA damage and skin cancer. Photoaging is associated with the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin and hyperpigmentation (sunspots).
Claims related to sun care
- SPF
- Water-resistant
- Very water-resistant
Methods & standards
Measurement principles and instruments
Methods & standards
Measurement principles and instruments
Measurements are done according to ISO standards. UVB protection is measured according to ISO 24444:2010, which is in vivo testing method for determination of sun protection factor (SPF). UVA protection is measured by in vitro determination of sunscreen UVA protection (ISO 24443:2012).
SPF, UVA & water resistance testing
FAQ
SPF testing (Sun Protection Factor testing) measures how effectively a sunscreen product protects the skin against UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburn and short-term skin damage. It is a standardized test required to support any sun protection claims on cosmetic products placed on the EU market.
UVA radiation (320–400 nm) penetrates deeper into the skin and is associated with photoaging, DNA damage, and long-term risks such as skin cancer. UVB radiation (280–320 nm) affects the outer skin layers and causes sunburn and direct DNA damage. Effective sunscreen products must provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Yes, any cosmetic product that claims sun protection must undergo SPF and UVA testing using standardized methods. These tests are required to ensure compliance with EU recommendations and to validate the product's efficacy claims before it is marketed.
To comply with EU guidelines, sunscreens must meet the following criteria:
- minimum SPF 6 (UVB protection)
- UVA protection factor of at least 1/3 of the SPF value
- critical wavelength of 370 nm
These requirements ensure balanced and effective broad-spectrum protection.
SPF testing is typically conducted using an in vivo method according to ISO 24444:2010. The product is applied to human volunteers, and the level of UVB protection is measured by comparing the skin's response with and without the sunscreen.
UVA protection is determined using an in vitro method according to ISO 24443:2012. This test evaluates how effectively the product absorbs or blocks UVA radiation and ensures that it meets the required UVA protection ratio.
Water resistance indicates how well a sunscreen product maintains its protective effect after exposure to water or sweat. It is measured using standardized testing and labeled as:
- Water resistant (40 minutes)
- Very water resistant (80 minutes)
These values represent how long the product remains effective during water exposure.
No, water resistance claims can only be used if they are supported by proper efficacy testing. Products must pass specific testing protocols to demonstrate that they maintain protection after immersion in water.
SPF testing ensures that the product provides the claimed level of sun protection, which is essential for consumer safety. It also allows brands to make verified marketing claims such as SPF level, UVA protection, and water resistance, increasing consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
With proper efficacy testing, cosmetic products can support claims such as:
- SPF protection level
- broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection
- water resistant or very water resistant
These claims must always be backed by standardized testing methods to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Related services
Related services
CE.way can offer various services related to sun protection factor (SPF) determination. We can offer:
Client reviews
Trusted by 1000+ cosmetic brands worldwide.
Pulled from verified Google reviews — independent, unedited, and updated continuously.
"We were looking for a stand-alone service, not too sure what to expect... The professionalism, the assistance and the responsiveness were very much appreciated, amongst the best we have ever experienced."
"We are a small manufacturing company located in the US. We recently used CE.way Regulatory Consultants to help guide us through the Cosmetic regulatory changes that have taken place in the EU. They were instrumental in helping us understand the new laws and streamline the entire process. I would highly recommend their services."
1 / 5
Get started
Ready to validate your sun protection claims?
Speak with our experts about SPF, UVA, and water resistance testing for EU market compliance.
