{"id":14454,"date":"2023-07-19T09:05:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T15:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulprospector.com\/knowledge\/?p=14454"},"modified":"2023-08-03T09:20:11","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T15:20:11","slug":"pcc-sunscreen-formulation-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ulprospector.ul.com\/14454\/pcc-sunscreen-formulation-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunscreen Formulation 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SunscreenSunscreen products are always in high demand, yet formulating sunscreens<\/a> is not as simple as creating other types of active formulas. There are regulations and limits on ingredient inputs, and the sunscreen needs to be formulated carefully to stabilize the UV filters<\/a> while ensuring an even and effective spread. Finally, they are products that must be extensively stability tested \u2013 so need to be incredibly stable over a prolonged shelf life.<\/p>\n

When is sunscreen cosmetic vs drug?<\/h2>\n

Sunscreen formulas<\/a> are regulated as either cosmetics or drugs, depending on the country you are selling the product in and the SPF claim. Where a sunscreen is regulated as a drug or therapeutic good, it will need to go through significantly more regulatory checks and approvals, as well as require larger manufacturing quantities \u2013 which doesn\u2019t always suit indie cosmetic brands.<\/p>\n

For a quick overview, watch our video: Should your cosmetic brand have a sunscreen product?<\/a><\/p>\n

There are also additional rules over \u2018water resistance\u2019 claims, warnings and certain label information required with all sunscreen products. Here is an overview of how different countries regulate products with SPF claims:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
AUS <\/strong><\/td>\nCANADA<\/strong><\/td>\nChina<\/strong><\/td>\nEU \/ South Africa\/ ASEAN countries \/ NZ<\/strong><\/td>\nJAPAN <\/strong><\/td>\nSouth Korea<\/strong><\/td>\nUSA <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cosmetic:<\/p>\n

SPF\u226415 + SPF is secondary claim or color cosmetic or lip balm; OR<\/p>\n

Therapeutic: when SPF is primary function and\/or SPF>15<\/td>\n

Drug<\/td>\nSpecial use cosmetic<\/td>\nCosmetic<\/td>\nCosmetic<\/td>\nCosmetic<\/td>\nDrug<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do sunscreen formulas need to be SPF tested?<\/h2>\n

If the sunscreen formula is to claim an SPF rating, then it must always be SPF tested. The brand putting the SPF product into the marketplace is responsible for holding direct evidence of the SPF claimed for their specific product\/formula. So even if the sunscreen has been formulated by a cosmetic chemist, manufactured under private label or you are using a formula from a supplier with stated SPF, the brand putting the product on the market MUST hold direct evidence for the SPF claims made by the product. This means no matter how you obtained your sunscreen formula<\/a>, suitable evidence must be held by the brand putting the sunscreen product onto the market.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be fooled into thinking natural ingredients don\u2019t need testing! There is misinformation out there that certain plant oils contain SPF protection, but they don\u2019t. Watch this video where we bust the myths about natural oils reputed to have UV protection: Natural oils and sun protection.<\/a><\/p>\n

SPF testing requirements vary in different countries \u2013 make sure the SPF testing conducted complies with the regulations where you intend to sell the product to ensure you hold the required evidence.<\/p>\n

Organic and inorganic UV filters: What\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n

There are two types of sunscreen agents:<\/p>\n