ISO/TC 217/WG 7 - Sun protection test methods

This document specifies a method for the in vitro determination of sun protection factor (SPF). This method is applicable to sunscreen products in form of an emulsion or alcoholic one-phase formulation, excluding in form of a loose or compressed powder or stick. Specifications are given to enable determination of the spectral absorbance characteristics of SPF protection in a reproducible manner. Use of this method is strictly for the determination of a static sun protection factor. It is not applicable for the determination of water-resistance properties of a sun protection product.

This document provides a procedure to characterize the sun protection factor (SPF), UVA protection factor (UVA-PF) and critical wavelength (CW) protection of sunscreen products without requiring biological responses. The test method is applicable for emulsions and single-phase products. The method has not been evaluated for use with powder forms sunscreen products. This document gives specifications to enable determination of the absolute spectral absorbance characteristics of a sunscreen product on skin to estimate sunburn and UVA protection. It is applicable to products that contain any component able to absorb, reflect or scatter ultraviolet (UV) rays and which are intended to be placed in contact with human skin.

This document specifies a method for the in vivo determination of UVA protection factor (UVAPF) of sunscreen products. It is applicable to products that contain any component able to absorb, reflect or scatter ultraviolet (UV) rays and which are intended to be placed in contact with human skin. This document provides a basis for the evaluation of sunscreen products for the protection of human skin against UVA radiation induced by solar ultraviolet rays.

This document specifies an in vitro procedure to characterize the UVA protection of sunscreen products. Specifications are given to enable determination of the spectral absorbance characteristics of UVA protection in a reproducible manner. In order to determine relevant UVA protection parameters, the method has been created to provide an UV spectral absorbance curve from which a number of calculations and evaluations can be undertaken. These include calculation of the Ultraviolet-A protection factor (UVA-PF) [correlating with in vivo UVA-PF from the persistent pigment darkening (PPD) testing procedure], critical wavelength and UVA absorbance proportionality. These computations are optional and relate to local sunscreen product labelling requirements. This method relies on the use of static in vivo SPF results for scaling the UV absorbance curve. This document is not applicable to powder products such as pressed powder and loose powder products.

This document specifies a procedure for evaluating the water resistance retention percentage, by comparing the sun protection factor (SPF) before water immersion (hereafter referred to as the "static" SPF) and after a fixed period of water immersion (hereafter referred to as the "wet" SPF).

This document specifies a procedure of water immersion for the in vivo determination of the water resistance of sunscreen products. This document is applicable to products intended to be placed in contact with human skin including any component able to absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays and which, in addition, are designed to be less readily removed from the skin by water and/or during water immersion. It is intended to be read in conjunction with ISO 24444.

This document specifies a method for the in vivo determination of the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen products. It is applicable to products that contain any component able to absorb, reflect or scatter ultraviolet (UV) rays and which are intended to be placed in contact with human skin. This document provides a basis for the evaluation of sunscreen products for the protection of human skin against erythema induced by solar ultraviolet rays.

ISO 24443:2012 specifies an in vitro procedure to characterize the UVA protection of sunscreen products. Specifications are given to enable determination of the spectral absorbance characteristics of UVA protection in a reproducible manner. In order to determine relevant UVA protection parameters, the method has been created to provide a UV spectral absorbance curve from which a number of calculations and evaluations can be undertaken. This method relies on the use of in vivo SPF results for scaling the UV absorbance curve.

ISO 24442:2011 specifies an in vivo method for assessment of the UVA protection factor (UVAPF) of topical sunscreen products. It is applicable to cosmetics, drugs and other products intended to be topically applied to human skin, including any component able to absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays. ISO 24442:2011 provides a basis for the evaluation of sunscreen products for the protection of human skin against UVA radiation from solar or other light sources.

ISO 24444:2010 specifies a method for the in vivo determination of the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen products. This International Standard is applicable to products that contain any component able to absorb, reflect or scatter ultraviolet (UV) rays and which are intended to be placed in contact with human skin. ISO 24444:2010 provides a basis for the evaluation of sunscreen products for the protection of human skin against erythema induced by solar ultraviolet rays.