BIPEA has launched two new Experimental Proficiency Testing Schemes for sunscreen products, enabling laboratories worldwide to benchmark their analytical performance on SPF and UV protection efficacy measurements using the latest ISO methods.
The two programs — PTS 521 SPF in vitro and PTS 522 Measurement of efficacy — target sunscreen lotion and sunscreen oil samples respectively, providing a valuable opportunity for quality control laboratories in the cosmetics sector to evaluate method robustness and compare results with industry peers. The announcement comes at a time when alternative SPF testing methods are gaining scientific and regulatory momentum, making proficiency benchmarking more critical than ever.
BIPEA PTS 521: SPF In Vitro Testing
PTS 521 SPF in vitro consists of one testing round scheduled for April 2026. Participating laboratories will receive a 30g sample of sunscreen lotion with a focus on one analyte: SPF, applying the ISO 23675:2024 method — the recently published in vitro standard for sun protection factor determination.
BIPEA PTS 522: Measurement of Efficacy
PTS 522 Measurement of efficacy comprises one testing round on a 30g sample of sunscreen oil, scheduled for March 2026. This proficiency test measures the efficacy of SPF, UVA-PF, and critical wavelength using the ISO 23698:2024 analysis method — the non-invasive in vivo/in vitro hybrid standard.
BIPEA Quality Assurance for Cosmetics Laboratories
For over 50 years, BIPEA has provided a wide range of proficiency tests and reference materials for testing laboratories focused on quality control and analytical accuracy across environment, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These experimental proficiency tests offer laboratories the chance to enhance their quality assurance systems in the sunscreen cosmetics sector.
For more information about BIPEA‘s proficiency testing programs, visit BIPEA.
