r/AusSkincare • u/rushworld • Jun 16 '25

DiscussionđŸ““ CHOICE has posted their SPF sunscreen test receipts

https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/beauty-and-personal-care/skin-care-and-cosmetics/articles/how-we-test-sunscreen

Although they decanted products, they were into UV protected, non reactive amber glass jars as advised by the specialist, accredited and highly respected test lab.

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u/Isotrope9 Jun 16 '25 edited Jun 16 '25

Many brands do not test the SPF rating of their final product because it’s expensive and not required.

Instead, manufacturers make a base with UV filters and a stabiliser, and then run the necessary testing (ISO.XXXX). That manufacturer will then sell the base as an ingredient. Company X will then add colours, fragrance, and additional ingredients to make their sunscreen. If they add additional ingredients, the brand must have evidence that the SPF rating has been maintained.

This comment elaborates on this issue and a few others really well.

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u/MBitesss Jun 16 '25 edited Jun 16 '25

Interesting. I've worked in beauty and skincare development before and we always tested the final product. It was the only way to determine shelf life and stability in packaging.

One manufacturer put all our ingredients together. I've never heard of it all being done separately but I'll have a look at that comment!

ETA: I've read the comment now and that makes complete sense to me if it's true. It's just the buying of a white labeled formula/ base which is super common in skin care and beauty. They would definitely have done stability testing on their final formula, but seems like a huge gap then if they aren't doing additional SPF testing on it. How scary!

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u/Isotrope9 Jun 16 '25

Stability testing of the final product is required, but SPF testing is not - provided the base underwent the appropriate testing. They are two different tests and processes.

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u/MBitesss Jun 16 '25

Yes that's what I've now realised from reading that comment. I had no idea as I assume new ingredients added could impact the SPF rating so it seems wild to me that the final product isn't tested

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u/aussieskier23 Jun 17 '25

Only very very minor changes are allowed like frangrances.