SPF Testing & Cosmetic Claims Substantiation India | NABL

Auriga Research provides NABL-accredited SPF testing and cosmetic claims substantiation services to help brands make scientifically validated product claims. Regulatory bodies including BIS and ASCI require that all cosmetic marketing claims be supported by adequate test evidence. Unsubstantiated claims expose brands to regulatory action and consumer litigation.

Our claims testing capabilities include in-vivo SPF per ISO 24444, UVA protection factor per ISO 24443, water resistance testing, moisturisation by corneometry, skin lightening efficacy, anti-wrinkle assessment by profilometry, oil control, and dermatological safety (HRIPT patch testing). We also provide in-vitro SPF screening for formulation development.

India's cosmetics market demands substantiated claims, particularly for sunscreen SPF ratings and skin lightening products. BIS IS 16644 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act require that sunscreen products declare verified SPF values. Our testing provides the documentation required for regulatory submissions and advertising defence.

Testing Capabilities

In-vivo SPF testing per ISO 24444
UVA protection factor per ISO 24443
Water resistance testing (40 min and 80 min)
In-vitro SPF screening by UV spectrophotometry
Moisturisation — corneometry and TEWL measurement
Anti-wrinkle efficacy — profilometry, VISIA imaging
Skin lightening — spectrophotometry and chromameter
Oil control and mattifying claims
Dermatological safety — HRIPT patch testing
Hair strength, shine, and conditioning claims

Turnaround Time

In-vivo SPF testing takes 3-4 weeks. In-vitro SPF screening takes 5-7 business days. Moisturisation claims take 2-4 weeks. Anti-ageing efficacy studies take 4-12 weeks depending on the protocol.

Related Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How is SPF (Sun Protection Factor) tested?

SPF is determined by in-vivo testing on human volunteers per ISO 24444. A standardised amount of sunscreen (2 mg/cm2) is applied to the back of volunteers. The Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) is measured with and without the product using a solar simulator. SPF equals the ratio of MED with product to MED without product. A minimum of 10 valid subjects is required. In-vitro SPF screening using UV spectrophotometry per ISO 24443 provides preliminary estimates.

What cosmetic claims can be substantiated through testing?

Testable claims include SPF and UVA protection factor, water resistance, moisturisation (corneometry), skin lightening/brightening, anti-wrinkle efficacy (profilometry, VISIA imaging), oil control, pore minimisation, colour fastness, hair strength and shine, and dermatological safety (HRIPT patch testing). Each claim requires a specific validated protocol. Claims must be truthful, not misleading, and supported by adequate evidence per BIS and ASCI advertising guidelines.

How long does SPF testing take?

In-vivo SPF testing per ISO 24444 takes 3-4 weeks including volunteer recruitment, testing, and data analysis. In-vitro SPF screening takes 5-7 business days. UVA protection factor testing takes 2-3 weeks. Water resistance testing (40 or 80 minutes immersion) adds 1 week. Moisturisation claims testing takes 2-4 weeks. Anti-ageing efficacy studies take 4-12 weeks depending on the claim duration.