Sunscreen testing: A critical perspective and future roadmap

Abstract

Sunscreens have become a mainstream consumer product for protection against the damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Before a sunscreen is released to the market, it must undergo a set of safety and efficacy tests established by a government or relevant regulatory authority. Regulatory bodies rely on access to appropriate analytical methods to ensure product compliance. The current sunscreen testing standards, particularly those to evaluate the sunscreen efficacy, are far from ideal from both a regulatory and an ethical perspective. For instance, some tests mandate unwarranted exposure of UV radiation to humans and cannot be reliably replicated. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing sunscreen testing standards, while providing a critical perspective on associated challenges, demands and opportunities in improving analytical methods for sunscreen testing. This review will provide a roadmap for those interested in sunscreen testing, including manufacturers, regulatory bodies, policy makers and academic researchers.