SGS launches a non-invasive sun protection test

Following five years of development, the testing, inspection, and certification specialist is offering hybrid diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (HDRS), which has been recognised as an international sun protection standard since late 2024. This method is safe, fast and accurate, combining in vivo and in vitro testing to assess the effectiveness of formulas by measuring SPF, FP-UVA, and critical wavelength. Thanks to non-invasive optical control, the induction of potentially dangerous erythema in subjects – a practice used in in vivo testing that raises ethical concerns – is eliminated. With this new service, SGS is addressing recent concerns about results that have, according to the company, led to an increase in demand for evaluations in the sector.