Overview
ISO 24443:2021/Amd 1:2026 is an amendment to the widely recognized international standard, ISO 24443:2021, which specifies test methods for the in vitro determination of sunscreen UVA photoprotection. This amendment introduces refined procedures and technical requirements for sample preparation, plate handling, manual and automated spreading, and robot specifications for the standard's application in the cosmetics industry.
This standard, developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 217 (Cosmetics) in cooperation with CEN/TC 392, aligns with evolving industry practices to ensure the reliability and repeatability of UVA protection testing for sunscreen products. By updating requirements for laboratory procedures and equipment, it aims to further harmonize international sunscreen testing methods.
Key Topics
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Sample Handling and Plate Preparation
- Clear guidelines for product storage prior to testing
- Detailed steps for cleaning, handling, and marking sandblasted plates to minimize contamination and ensure consistent measurements
- Strict requirements for using new, untreated plates without additional surface treatments
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Spreading Procedures
- Precise protocols for both manual and robotic spreading of sunscreen formulations
- Application territories, dose determination, and timeframes for accurate and reproducible application of sunscreens to test plates
- Two-phase manual spreading methods and dedicated procedures for different product types (e.g., oil or alcoholic formulations)
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Robotic Spreading and Equipment Specifications
- Introduction of robot requirements: positional repeatability, degrees of freedom, payload, and applied force
- Maintenance and regular performance verification for automated systems
- Specifications for finger tools used in automatic spreading, including material, hardness, diameter, and curvature
- Standardized spreading routines for automated equipment, detailing movement cycles and speeds
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Sample Preparation and Application Controls
- Temperature control requirements before product application and during drying
- Use of positive-displacement pipettes for improved application accuracy
- Dedicated treatment for spray products to ensure representative testing
Applications
ISO 24443:2021/Amd 1:2026 is essential for a wide range of stakeholders in the cosmetics and personal care industry:
- Cosmetic Manufacturers: Supports R&D and quality assurance teams in consistently determining the UVA protection efficacy of sunscreen formulations according to global expectations.
- Testing Laboratories: Provides standardized methods for both manual and automated in vitro testing, improving reproducibility and comparability of sunscreen UVA protection data worldwide.
- Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates manufacturers’ adherence to cosmetic regulations in various markets that require validated in vitro UVA photoprotection results.
- Equipment Suppliers: Informs laboratory automation suppliers about updated requirements for robotic systems used in photoprotection testing.
By following this amended international standard, organizations can ensure higher reliability in sunscreen UVA assessments, support regulatory submissions, and build consumer trust in product claims.
Related Standards
To further enhance harmonization and compliance in cosmetic product testing, the following related standards should be considered:
- ISO 24443:2021: Cosmetics - Determination of sunscreen UVA photoprotection in vitro (the core standard)
- ISO 24442: Cosmetics - Sun protection test methods - In vivo determination of the sun protection factor (SPF)
- EN ISO 24443: European adoption of the UVA photoprotection standard
- ISO/IEC Directives: Guidelines for standards development and implementation
For the latest and most authoritative information, refer to ISO’s website at www.iso.org.
Keywords: ISO 24443, sunscreen UVA, photoprotection, in vitro, robot spreading, cosmetic testing standards, plate preparation, laboratory automation, sun protection, ISO standards
