Abstract

For many years, in vitro testing measurement have been realized with basic conditions and limited equipment even for testing institute, consumer associations, health authorities and cosmetic manufacturers. During the last years, some technical innovations and knowledge have been demonstrated as essential to ensure reliable results. This paper presents the evolution of the in vitro testing laboratory from the Past, through the Present to the Future to keep with these new compulsory key parameters leading to a high reproducibility for in vitro testing.

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, it is well-known that sunscreen products are recognized as one of the indispensable manner to protect consumer against sunlight damage. It acts absorbing or scattering UV radiation both in the UVB and UVA (solar spectrum range 290 - 400 nm). This protection is historically expressed by the well known SPF value (Sun Protection Factor) for UVB range and PPD value (Persistent Pigmentation Darkening) for UVA range (also named UVA Protection Factor, UVA-PF). Although, assessment of the sun protection efficacy of cosmetic products is for historically reasons based on in vivo methods, in vitro methods are more and more known, used and preferred for now about three decades for ethical, economical and practical reasons (1). They have been included in the process of standardization of such methods within the inte ... ...