New standard of testing method and labeling method on SPF - The main modificationpoints of new revised standard

摘要

The Japan Cosmetic Industry Associaiton (JCIA) established the Standard SPFTest Method based on the concept that the SPF value indicated on cosmetic products should be standardized permitting product comparison in 1991. The method serve as the criterion for product selection is to provide for extensive measurement of UV light protective effects, and be as consistent as possible with the worldwide trend toward uniformity in UV light protection efficacy evaluation. But in recent years we have witnessed the appearance of products bearing such high SPF values which were not expected when JCIA' Standard was implemented, and it became evident that there existed a possibility for great disparities in measured SPF. After many sessions of deliberation the Expert Committee in SPF of JCIA concluded that the conditions of testing method should be revised to increase the accuracy of the method as it is prone to producing errors when SPF should be taken into due consideration, considering the fact that an upper limit has been imposed on labeled SPF in U.S. and Australian/New Zealand. This revised version which was established in 1999 has been to take effect January 1,2000. You can see the details of JCIA' revised standard on SPF testing method in the issue of JCIA. Now I would like to review the main points of the deference between the old version and the new one, especially on 4 points, (1)addition of standard sample, (2)waiting time, (3)progression UV dose and (4)reason why SPF 50 + is set as the upper limit for labeling.