Labeling and Effectiveness Testing of Sunscreen Products

Sept. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Traditionally, sunscreen products were designed to filter out UVB wavelengths due to the fact that excess exposure allows these wavelengths to reach the innermost layer of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, a region where new skin cells are continually being made. UVB damage to this layer causes surface cells to bubble and cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis to mutate and cause cancer. Nevertheless, today, most sunscreens also contain UVA filters, as UVA wavelengths have enough energy to penetrate the top layer of skin and enter the next lower layer.

Excess exposure to UVA changes molecules that support the skin’s surface and cause sagging and the beginning of wrinkles. In order to stop this phenomenon from occurring, anti-aging skin treatments were created. UVA sunscreens applied to the surface of the skin absorb the UVA wavelengths before they enter the next layer. Consequently, the molecules are not damaged and they continue to support the skin, keeping the surface tight and without wrinkles.

Health authorities require the claimed efficacy of sunscreen products to be supported. In various countries, there are corresponding SPF or PFA test methods to support the SPF (UVB) or PFA (UVA) claim on sunscreen products. Recently, a standard in-vivo method for UVB and UVA has been developed by ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) in 2010 and 2011 respectively. A new standard for UVA determination by in-vitro method, ISO 24443, now developed by ISO, helps the industry to determine the UVA absorbance of sunscreen products in a reproducible way. Furthermore, the latest version of the Australian standard AS/NZS 2604:2012 also adopts ISO
24444 and 24443 for reference.

The latest SGS news bulletin summarizes the various methods for sunscreen performance (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/0...).

It is indispensable that all cosmetic, personal care and household products are safe effective and stable. In order to ensure a high level of product quality in every area, SGS provides testing, inspection, auditing and consulting services to manufacturers, distributors and importers. SGS’ state of the art laboratories offer custom-made solutions for chemical, biophysical, microbiological, stability and toxicological aspects.

Furthermore, SGS has extensive capabilities in performance testing, claim support studies and consumer panels. The testing is conducted according to customer specific or recognized standard methods, some of which were developed by SGS. SGS cosmetic safety assessors (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Personal-and-...) and other technical experts can support customers by making sure new products comply with regulatory requirements.

For further information on SGS’ services for sunscreen products, please contact the SGS experts.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Ivan Tsui
Key Account Manager
5/F-8/F &12/F, 28/F, Metropole Square, 2 On Yiu Street,
Siu Lek Yuen, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong

t: +852 2204 8374 (ext 1374)
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/pages/consumer-testing/sgs-consumer-go...

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