We perform static and very water resistant SPF testing according to FDA, International/Colipa, Australia/New Zealand and JCIA methods. In addition, we provide evaluations of UVA protection using persistent pigment darkening, erythema, critical wavelength, the Boots Star Method, the Australia/New Zealand method and the UVA Index.

Instrumentation for SPF testing and evaluations of UVA protection includes 2 Solar Light Company multiport solar simulators, 8 single port solar simulators, a SPEX SKINSKAN spectrofluorometer, LabSphere and Helias spectrophotometers and an Optronic Laboratories OL754 spectroradiometer system with a NIST traceable calibration system.

We have developed a novel in vitro sunscreen performance evaluation method that simulates the SPF test on human subjects and yields predicted SPF and UVA protection factors and a quantitative assessment of photostability. For more information you may download a detailed protocol.

Each solar simulator is calibrated every 6 months and after every bulb replacement. The spectroradiometer itself is calibrated annually, using a NIST traceable standard.

Download the In Vitro Protocol