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Human Evaluation Test for Sun Protection Efficacy of Cosmetics—Waterproof Performance

Since sunscreen cosmetics, especially high SPF products, are usually used during outdoor sports in summer, the characteristics of the season and the environment require sunscreen products to have water and sweat resistance, i.e., they can maintain a certain level of sun protection effect under sweat or swimming conditions. Products with waterproof effects are usually labeled with "waterproof and sweat resistant" and "suitable for outdoor activities such as swimming".


This article aims to introduce the test method for the waterproof performance of sunscreen cosmetics in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 edition).


Test method:

Testing of the general water resistance of sunscreen cosmetics

If the product claims to be water resistant, the SPF labeled should be the SPF of the product measured after a 40-minute water resistance test as follows:

1. Sunscreen is applied to the skin test area, wait 15-30 minutes or follow the label instructions.

2. The subject is in the water for 20 minutes with moderate movement.

3. 20 minutes of rest out of the water (do not wipe the test area with a towel).

4. Another 20 minutes of moderate activity in the water.

5. End the activity in the water and wait for the skin to dry (do not wipe the test area with a towel).

6. Perform UV exposure and measurement according to the test method described in the Human Evaluation Test for Sun Protection Efficacy of Cosmetics—SPF.


Testing of the very water resistance of sunscreen cosmetics

If the product claims to be very water resistant, the SPF labeled should be the SPF of the product measured after an 80-minute water resistance test as follows:

1. Sunscreen is applied to the skin test area, wait 15-30 minutes or follow the label instructions.

2. The subject is in the water for 20 minutes with moderate movement.

3. 20 minutes of rest out of the water (do not wipe the test area with a towel).

4. Another 20 minutes of moderate activity in the water.

5. 20 minutes of rest out of the water (do not wipe the test area with a towel).

6. Another 20 minutes of moderate activity in the water.

7. 20 minutes of rest out of the water (do not wipe the test area with a towel).

8. Another 20 minutes of moderate activity in the water.

9. End the activity in the water and wait for the skin to dry (do not wipe the test area with a towel).

10. Perform UV exposure and measurement according to the test method described in the Human Evaluation Test for Sun Protection Efficacy of Cosmetics—SPF.


Sunscreen cosmetics without waterproof performance measurement or product waterproof performance measurement results show that the SPF after bathing reduced by more than 50%, shall not claim the waterproof effect. Sunscreen cosmetics claimed to have a waterproof effect, can be marked with SPF before and after the bath, or only SPF after the bath, shall not be marked with SPF only before the bath.


If you have any questions related to the cosmetic sunscreen efficacy evaluation test, please contact us via info@enter-co.com.

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