The Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia (SCFA) announced a new partnership to put skin care claims such as natural, antiaging and UV protection to stringent new test levels under a new product endorsement program. The strategic alliance with the Australian Photobiology Testing Facility (APTF) at Sydney University said it plans to establish a new benchmark for quality products and provide high level consumer confidence in brand claims through the independent endorsement program.
The program was launched at St Vincent ’s Hospital in Sydney with the unveiling of a new logo; products meeting these testing standards can be accredited to license the endorsement logo. The SCFA is a private, not-for-profit organisation established in 1978 to promote research, training and public education on skin health.
APTF was founded in 1989 at the University of Sydney and specializes in the biological effects of sunlight on skin, especially skin cancer, and in the evaluation of all types of material, including sunscreens and clothing, designed to protect the skin from the damaging effects of sunlight exposure. Managing and Scientific Director of the APTF, Gavin Greenoak said that sunscreens were acknowledged now as essential to protect Australians from the ravages of overexposure to sunlight. “In a crowded marketplace of sunscreen and skin products, many with loud claims and counterclaims, there has not, until now, been a guide for buyers from an independent and highly credible source, as to the best quality products,” he said in a press statement. He also pointed to the popularity of products claiming to be "natural." “When the population has a phobia about chemicals and seeks a natural solution, what do they really know about what it means and whether it actually confers a benefit? Our endorsement will verify whether the natural claim is clear and beneficial rather than simply a marketing buzz word.”
Brands seeking to carry the SCFA/APTF endorsement will be able to volunteer products ranging from sunscreens and cleansers to clothing and face creams for the stringent testing program. Claims to be tested will include antiaging, natural, low irritant, hypo-allergenic, non-photo allergenic and others.
