How SPF Testing Works in Australia
All sun protection products sold in Australia, including primary sunscreens as well as secondary sunscreens ie. makeup products containing SPF, are assessed using standardised testing methods designed to evaluate how effectively they protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
These testing requirements apply regardless of whether a product is regulated as a therapeutic sunscreen or supplied as a cosmetic product with SPF.
What SPF Measures
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how effectively a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB radiation, which is the primary cause of sunburn. Broad spectrum sun protection also includes protection against UVA radiation, which contributes to long-term skin damage and premature skin ageing.
In Australia, all sun protection products, whether listed as primary sunscreens on the Therapeutic Goods Register or supplied as secondary makeup products containing SPF, must demonstrate broad spectrum protection, meaning they provide both UVA and UVB protection.
SPF values are determined through controlled testing processes and expressed as a numerical rating based on the level of protection demonstrated under standardised test conditions.
How SPF Is Tested
In Australia, SPF testing is conducted in accordance with internationally recognised standards, including the ISO 24444 method for in-vivo SPF determination (testing performed on human skin).
Testing is carried out under controlled laboratory conditions to evaluate how a sunscreen performs when applied to the skin at a specified thickness. These tests are performed by specialised laboratories using established protocols designed to ensure consistency and comparability across products.
The results of SPF testing are used to support the SPF claims displayed on product packaging and associated materials.
How UVA Protection Is Tested
In addition to UVB protection, sunscreens sold in Australia must demonstrate adequate protection against UVA radiation in order to be labelled as broad spectrum.
UVA protection is typically assessed using in-vitro testing methods. These methods evaluate how effectively a sunscreen absorbs or blocks UVA radiation when applied to a substrate under controlled laboratory conditions, measuring the level and consistency of UVA protection across the relevant wavelength range.
UVA testing is assessed alongside SPF (UVB) testing to ensure comprehensive sun protection performance.
Evolving Testing Standards and Ongoing Review
Globally, sunscreen testing methodologies continue to evolve as scientific understanding and technology advance, as well as the recent highlighting of inconsistency in results across labs.
Regulatory bodies, including the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), periodically review testing standards and methodologies to support greater consistency, reliability, and comparability of results across laboratories. The TGA and ISO standard is currently reviewing in-vitro testing approaches for SPF determination, with the aim of further standardising evaluation processes and reducing reliance on human skin testing over time.