This document specifies a procedure for evaluating the water resistance retention percentage, by comparing the sun protection factor (SPF) before water immersion (hereafter referred to as the “static” SPF) and after a fixed period of water immersion (hereafter referred to as the “wet” SPF).
Introduction
The protection which cosmetic products containing organic or inorganic sunscreens provide against sunburn is neither absolute nor permanent.
One of the many factors that can have an effect on the level of protection given by these products is water contact. UV absorbers in the formulation can leach out or be physically removed by the washing action in the sea or swimming pool.
In order to make the sun products more effective, manufacturers have developed formulations which are more substantive to the skin during water immersion. These products have been variously labelled as water resistant or very water resistant.
In order to substantiate these product efficacy claims, a number of methods has been developed and published: including a method promulgated in the United States of America FDA monograph on OTC sunscreen drug products (Federal Register/ Vol. 58, No 90). Standard methods have also been published in Australia/New Zealand (AS/NZS 2640) and in the Republic of South Africa (SABS 1557).
The method for conditions required for water resistance SPF test exists as an International Standard, i.e. ISO 16217, and requires a sun protection factor to be measured following a defined water immersion procedure.
This document describes the procedure for water resistant percentage calculation, based on water immersion procedure described in ISO 16217, which is the ratio between before and after bath SPF.
The SPF measurement procedure is that described by ISO 24444.