+34 603 445 673 
I’m sure you know the impact of UV radiation on the skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes changes to skin cells, which can lead to premature ageing (photoaging) and even increase the risk of skin cancer.
Market‑ready sunscreen products now protect the skin against broad spectrum UVA UVB radiation and are available in a variety of textures to suit every brand’s story — from lightweight moisturizers and BB/CC creams to sticks, powders and more.
Ensuring that sun protection products are both effective and aligned with regulatory demands is not just a recommendation, it’s mandatory for market access.
Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB: why it matters for your sunscreen products?
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing photoaging and pigmentation, while UVB rays cause sunburn and redness. Both contribute to long‑term damage, making broad spectrum UVA UVB protection essential.
Brands today respond with more innovative products, from daily moisturizers with SPF to multifunctional BB creams, delivering protection in formats consumers actually use.
UV filters: the science behind sun protection
The protection from UV radiation is achieved through UV filters, substances that interact with radiation to prevent its harmful effects. They are classified into two main categories:
Chemical filters, which absorb UV radiation.
Physical filters, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect and scatter UV rays.
Different regions set strict rules on which filters can be used and at what concentrations. This ensures that sunscreens are both safe and effective for consumers.
Suncare products in the European Union
In the EU, sunscreens are classified as cosmetic products, they are regulated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Suncare products must undergo an SPF test to determine their Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The SPF is calculated through in-vivo testing.
The European Commission issued a recommendation with specific labelling and claims requirements to ensure consumers can properly use such products. These recommendations are not legally binding, but the majority of the brands follow this document, as represents the best practices to follow to place sunscreens in the EU market.
Suncare products in the United States
In the US, sunscreen products are not classified as cosmetics, but over-the-counter products (OTC). Sunscreens must comply with the requirements set in the monograph (OTC M20) to be legally placed on the market, and recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).
The monograph has a new version and establishes, since 2021, the allowed UV filters and their maximum concentration, labelling and claims, forms and the SPF values. Also, at the Monograph M20 can be found the testing methods for the U.S.
Products with dual function (drug and cosmetic, as for example, a sunscreen lipstick) must comply with the requirements for both cosmetics and drugs rules.
SPF testing: new developments on the horizon
29th meeting of ISO/TC 217/WG 7 in Berlin, two of these methods were proposed for inclusion in the final draft international standard (FDIS)! We will have more alternatives to measure the SPF protection of your products.
Get expert support for your suncare products!
Bringing a broad spectrum UVA UVB sunscreen to market involves more than a great formula, it requires testing, documentation and compliance in every region where you plan to sell.At Cosmeservice, we help you:
- Identify which UV filters are approved in your target markets.
- Arrange SPF and broad‑spectrum tests for your products.
- Review your labelling and claims for compliance and accuracy.
Ready to launch safe, compliant and market‑ready sunscreens? Contact us today at info@cosmeservice.com
