SPF Accuracy: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Why You Can Trust Our SPF

If you’ve been following beauty news lately, you may have seen troubling reports out of Australia: several sunscreens have been recalled after independent testing revealed SPF levels far below what was advertised. In one widely publicized case, a sunscreen labeled SPF 50+ tested as low as SPF 4. Read article here. 

And it’s not just Australia. Globally, SPF claims are under increasing scrutiny. In some international markets, sunscreens are labeled SPF 50 while containing only 11% zinc oxide. From a scientific perspective, it’s virtually impossible for that level of active ingredient to deliver true SPF 50 protection.

For consumers, this can feel alarming. Sunscreen isn’t just another skincare step — it’s drug-level protection against premature aging and skin cancer. Which is why, at Soleil Toujours, we’ve always believed that SPF accuracy is non-negotiable.

Sunscreen Is a Drug, Not Just Skincare

In the United States, sunscreen is regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. That means every formula must undergo rigorous in vivo testing on human subjects under controlled UV exposure to confirm the SPF value on the label.

At Soleil Toujours, we go further. In addition to FDA testing, our products are verified under ISO 24444, the internationally recognized SPF testing protocol. This ensures our results are reproducible and meet global benchmarks — not just U.S. standards.

U.S.-Based Testing, Manufacturing, and Sourcing

We’ve made deliberate choices to avoid the shortcuts that can undermine SPF integrity.

• All SPF, stability, and RIPT testing is conducted in the U.S. at FDA-registered, ISO-certified labs.

• All of our actives are sourced domestically, never from low-cost overseas suppliers that may compromise purity or consistency.

• All production is handled by U.S.-based CMOs with strict oversight.

While outsourcing or importing cheap actives from China or elsewhere may reduce costs, we refuse to cut corners. Our formulations are always custom — never stock — and undergo the full spectrum of testing. Yes, this can cost $20–30k per SKU, including tinted variants, but it’s a non-negotiable investment in consumer trust.

Stability and Ongoing Verification

SPF testing doesn’t end once a product launches. Many labs only run stability tests on pilot batches, which can miss problems once production scales. That’s not acceptable to us.

At Soleil Toujours, we:

• Run long-term stability tests annually.

• Conduct API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) validation on both bulk and finished goods to ensure nothing “falls through the cracks.”

• Have introduced a new internal standard: verification tests on small subject groups every few years, to confirm our SPF ratings remain consistent over time.

These steps ensure reproducibility, consistency, and accuracy — batch after batch, year after year.

Why This Matters

When you apply sunscreen, you’re trusting that label to protect your skin. That’s a responsibility we take very seriously.

• Our SPF 50 mineral formulas contain 20% zinc oxide, because that’s what it takes to consistently deliver true SPF 50 protection.

• We never lower active levels to save costs, even though manufacturing guidelines allow +/- 10% variances on active ingredient levels. If our formula is tested with 20% zinc oxide, that’s exactly what goes into the final product.

• We are transparent about our methods, because we believe consumer confidence comes from knowledge, not marketing.

Raising the Bar

We believe the sunscreen industry as a whole can — and should — do better. That means:

• Requiring multi-lab verification of SPF claims.

• Enforcing stricter oversight of API integrity during manufacturing.

• Providing clearer consumer education around how SPF is tested and what makes claims credible.

Until then, we’re committed to setting the highest standard possible at Soleil Toujours. Because when it comes to SPF, shortcuts aren’t an option.

Closing Note

Recent recalls and questionable claims abroad are a reminder that not all sunscreens are created equal. But they’re also an opportunity — to push the industry toward more rigorous testing, greater transparency, and stronger consumer trust.

At Soleil Toujours, we’ve already built that standard into everything we do. When you see SPF 50 on our label, you can be confident that’s exactly what’s in the bottle.