AMA Laboratories, Inc.

Bringing Testing, Claims Substantiation and Marketing Together

AMA Laboratories specializes in SPF testing to determine the Sun Protection Factor for product labeling requirements: Static, Water Resistant, UVA and UVB testing that complies with worldwide regulatory agencies.

Our globally compliant SPF testing uses single-port solar simulators to ensure the highest level of accuracy.

We perform tests to all the following worldwide standards:

  • FDA 2011 21 CFR Parts 201 and 310 – Labeling and Effective Testing; Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use – Food and Drug Administration (U.S.)
    • Static
    • Water Resistant 40 Minute/Water Resistant 80 Minute (Water Resistant Testing includes Static determination)
  • ISO 24444 – Cosmetics – Sun protection test methods – In Vivo determination of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
    • Current method provides for Static determination only
  • International Sun Protection Factor; International Global Harmonization Method (SPF) [CTFA-SA, COLIPA, JCIA, PCPC]
    • Static
    • Water Resistant 40 Minute/Very Water Resistant 80 Minute (Water and Very Water Resistant Testing include Static determination)
  • AS/NZS 2604:2012 – Australian/New Zealand Standard
    • Static
    • Water Resistant 40 Minute, Water Resistant 80 Minute, 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour (Water Resistant Testing includes Static determination)
  • In-Vivo UVA Protection Efficacy
    • ISO 24442 – Cosmetics-Sun Protection Test Methods – In-Vivo Determination of Sunscreen UVA Protection
    • JCIA Method – Japan Cosmetics Industry Association (PA, PFA, PPD)

All solar simulators and detectors are calibrated three times annually by two independent certification facilities and held to all appropriate NIST traceable standards.

To support Broad Spectrum claims, it is economically advisable to conduct the In-Vitro Investigation (Critical Wavelength) prior to In-Vivo testing.

Many companies still prefer to test according to previously published sunscreen methods and monographs in order to more intensively investigate the efficacy of their products.

AMA Labs has maintained a repertoire of such tests:

  • Sweat Resistant or Sweat Proof, Wash-on Products, and Abrasion (Towel) Resistant
  • 4-, 6-, and 8-Hour Studies
  • Salt Water Immersion (Ocean Simulation)
  • Chlorine Water Immersion (Pool Simulation)
  • Exercise Programs (Sports Claims)
  • Powders
  • Towelettes
  • Sprays (Pump and Aerosol)
  • Post-Insult SPF (Heat, Wind and Sand)