Sunscreen Testing

Testing Sunscreen Products

When developing a new sunscreen or improving an existing formula, you must conduct sunscreen efficacy testing. Sunscreen claims must be supported, including SPF, Water Resistance, and UVA (broad spectrum). Regulatory requirements vary by region, and CPT℠ performs all methods recognized worldwide for compliance.

Our Capabilities

Focusing on sunscreen efficacy testing, CPT’s℠ capabilities include:

• SPF efficacy (FDA Final Rule, ISO 24444, COLIPA, and others)
• Water Resistance efficacy (FDA Final Rule, COLIPA, AUS/NZ, and others)
• Broad Spectrum efficacy (FDA Final Rule, ISO 24443, and others)

Additionally, CPT℠ can assess safety of formulas and ingredients using:

• Phototoxicity
• Photoallergy
• Custom support and development assistance

CPT’s™ Photobiology laboratory began more than 35 years ago as a leader in sunscreen testing. The laboratory contains 27 single-port solar simulators and 11 multi-port solar simulators, both 150 Watt and 300 Watt. The population of more than 50,000 potential subjects can be qualified using Fitzpatrick phototype, or ITA° using colorimetry. Extensive photographic capabilities capture and record results accurately. These combined capabilities ensures that CPT℠ has the flexibility to conduct your photobiology testing correctly.

In the US and certain regions throughout the world, a sunscreen product is considered an Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug, and must comply with regulations, such as current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in the US. As part of cGMP a sunscreen product must have a validated expiration date, supported by ongoing stability studies and release testing for each batch. These studies must be conducted with a validated analytical method. Utilizing our analytical chemistry division we can conduct these studies to help you get your product to market.