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Multicenter evaluation of sunscreen UVA protectiveness with the protection factor test method
1Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc., Skillman, NJ 08558.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
The Protection Factor in UVA (PFA) test method effectively measures sunscreen's UVA protection, showing consistent results across labs and formulations. This validates PFA as a reliable tool for assessing UVA shielding in sunscreens.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photoprotection
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- No standardized method exists for evaluating sunscreen UVA protection alone.
- UVA radiation contributes to skin aging and damage, necessitating specific protective measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the Protection Factor in UVA (PFA) test method.
- Assess PFA's ability to detect dose-response and UVA specificity.
- Determine PFA's repeatability and dependence on skin response (erythema/tanning).
Main Methods:
- Sunscreens with varying oxybenzone concentrations (0-5%) and octyl dimethyl PABA (7%) were tested.
- The PFA protocol was applied across five independent laboratories.
- Protection factors were assessed based on observed skin responses.
Main Results:
- The PFA method distinguished protection differences in oxybenzone formulations.
- It did not differentiate between placebo and octyl dimethyl PABA formulations.
- Observed skin responses (erythema or tanning) did not influence protection factor results.
Conclusions:
- The PFA method demonstrates utility and validity for assessing UVA protection.
- It is a reliable tool for evaluating the UVA shielding capabilities of sunscreen products.