Japan Releases Labeling Method for Water Resistance Related to Sunscreen Products

The new labeling method for water resistance based on ISO1886 has started from December 1, 2022. In addition to SPF and PA labels, water resistance is another essential objective indicator consumers take into consideration when choosing sunscreen products.

Early in 2021, Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) participated in the formulation of ISO18861 Cosmetics Sun Protection Test Methods Percentage of Water Resistance (hereinafter the ISO18861), and started to develop Water Resistance Determination Standard for UV Protection Effect (2021) (hereinafter the Standard) based on ISO18861.

On November 11, 2022, JCIA officially announced the Standard would be implemented on December 1, 2022, with two years grace period, and also explained the labeling method for sunscreen products.

Water Resistance Determination Method	Labeling
When the "water bathing time" is 40 minutes (20 minutes x 2 times) in the determination method specified by ISO18861	UV water resistance ★ (UV water resistance ☆)
When the "water bathing time" is 80 minutes (20 minutes x 4 times) in the determination method specified by ISO18861	UV water resistance ★★ (UV water resistance ☆☆)
Notes: 1. When labeling water resistance, the SPF value before bathing shall also be labeled. 2. Star notation can be either ★ (filled) or ☆ (not filled), but the colour is not permitted to be changed.

Notably, this Standard evaluates the durability of the UV protection effect against water exposed from the outside of the skin. It is prohibited to describe the resistance to sweat based on the results of this test method.