Korea's MFDS Proposes In Vitro Test Methods for Sunscreen SPF and PA Evaluation
Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has proposed amendments that would introduce internationally standardized in vitro test methods — ISO 23675 and ISO 24443 — for evaluating sunscreen SPF and PA. The proposed changes are expected to significantly cut testing time and cost while bringing Korea's requirements in line with international standards. The amendments were issued as advance notices on August 19, 2026, with public comments accepted through September 18, 2026. Key Takeaways The amendments target two regulations — the Regulation on the Review of Functional Cosmetics and the Regulation on Substantiation of Claims in Cosmetic Labeling and Advertising — introducing ISO-standard in vitro test methods for SPF and PA and clarifying the related review and evaluation criteria. Currently, only in vivo (human) testing is permitted for evaluating sunscreen protection. Under the proposal, both in vivo and in vitro testing would be allowed. Using automated equi...