Ensure your sunscreen products meet international standards with our In Vitro SPF Testing Service. The in vivo SPF tests are conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and deliver accurate, reproducible results that meet global regulatory guidelines.

Our testing service offers:

• Determination of SPF value using artificial UV radiation and spectrophotometric analysis

• Complete laboratory report and data interpretation by qualified scientists

This method is ideal for screening formulations and submitting regulatory dossiers. Our in vitro SPF tests are trusted by brands in the cosmetic and dermatological industries and guarantee that your sun care products are both safe and effective—ready for market launch in the EU and beyond.

Turnaround time: 10–15 business days
Required sample: Minimum 100ml/g of each formulation

Protect your consumers. Validate your claims. Choose certified laboratory tests that meet modern scientific and ethical standards.

What is the difference between In Vivo and In Vitro testing?

The terms in vivo and in vitro refer to two different types of testing environments used in scientific and regulatory testing, including SPF testing for sunscreens:

In vitro testing

Definition:“In vitro” means “in glass” in Latin. It refers to testing conducted outside a living organism, typically in a laboratory using equipment such as test plates, UV spectrophotometers, and artificial substrates. Key characteristics:

• Conducted in a controlled laboratory setting
• Uses synthetic skin substrates or other materials
• No testing on humans or animals

Examples: Spectrophotometric SPF tests, UVAPF determination on PMMA platesAdvantages:

• Ethical and cruelty-free
• Often faster and cheaper
• Enables screening of multiple formulations at an early stage of development
• Accepted for regulatory purposes

In vivo tests

Definition:“In vivo” means “in the living” in Latin. It refers to tests performed on living organisms, usually human volunteers in the case of SPF tests. Key characteristics:

• Conducted on the skin of human subjects
• The product is applied followed by exposure to UV radiation
• Measured by observing erythema (redness) caused by UVB

Advantages:

• Considered the gold standard for SPF validation in some countries
• Provides realistic results under actual skin conditions
• Options for testing multiple parameters: Water Resistance (WR), Very Water Resistance (VWR), Ultra Water Resistance (UWR), Sweat Resistance (STR), Sand Resistance (STR)

Features	In vitro	In vivo
Location	Laboratory (outside the body)	On living human skin
Ethics	Cruelty-free, no human testing	Human exposure to UV radiation
Speed	Faster	Slower
Cost	Lower	Higher
Options	SPF validation	SPF validation, Water resistance (WR), Very high water resistance (WR), Ultra water resistance (UWR), Sweat resistance (STR), Sand resistance (STR)
Use	Formulation research, final confirmation	Regulatory validation, final confirmation
Common methods	COLIPA, UV spectrophotometry, ISO 24443	MED/MPPD testing with volunteers, ISO 24444

Why is SPF testing important?

1. Regulatory compliance:Most regions, including the EU, the US, and Asia, require validated SPF claims for sun protection products. Without proper testing, products may be rejected or taken off the market.
2. Consumer safety:Inaccurate SPF claims can lead to insufficient sun protection, increasing the risk of skin damage and related health issues.
3. Credibility and trust:Transparent and accurate SPF claims enhance your brand’s reputation and consumer confidence in your products.
4. Market differentiation:SPF testing ensures your product can compete effectively by offering proven protection, making it the preferred choice for safety-conscious consumers.

Our SPF laboratory tests

We offer comprehensive SPF testing to help you substantiate your product claims and meet regulatory standards. Our services include:

1. In vivo SPF testing

• Conducted on human volunteers under strict ethical and safety protocols.
• Determines the actual SPF value of your product based on real-world application and sun exposure.

2. SPF in vitro testing

• Suitable for initial evaluations or as a supplement to in vivo testing.
• Provides a fast and cost-effective method for analyzing UV protection.

3. Broad-spectrum UV testing

• Measures protection against both UVA and UVB radiation to support “Broad Spectrum” claims.

4. Water resistance testing

• Evaluates product efficacy after exposure to water to ensure that “water-resistant” or “highly water-resistant” claims are accurate.

5. Compliance checks

• Verifies compliance with regional SPF labeling requirements, such as those of the FDA (U.S.), the EU Cosmetics Regulation, or ISO standards.

Why choose us for SPF testing?

• Accredited facilities: We have state-of-the-art laboratories accredited to perform SPF testing according to global standards.
• Expert team: Our scientists specialize in formulating and testing sunscreens, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
• Regulatory expertise: We provide guidance on meeting specific requirements for different markets, reducing the risk of delays or non-compliance.
• End-to-end support: From initial testing to claim validation and regulatory documentation, we support every stage of your product development.

How to get started

If your product requires SPF testing or verification, our team is ready to help. Whether you’re developing a new sunscreen or adapting an existing product to international standards, our services are tailored to your needs.