Comparative Analysis of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of Randomly Selected Branded Sunscreens Manufactured in the Philippines

Jehiel Lyre Malan¹ and Philip Sabinay^1
1Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines

Abstract
UV radiation is a type of radiation emitted by the sun, alongside infrared and visible light. It is used by the body to help mediate natural synthesis of vitamin D and endorphins used by the body, but excessive UV radiation has adverse effects to the skin, like sunburns (erythema), premature skin aging, photosensitivity, suppression of the immune system, and even skin cancers. With the rise of temperatures due to global warming, demand for sunscreens – cosmetic products used to reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin – has also risen. Some studies have experimentally measured discrepancies between labeled and measured SPF values for the sunscreens. This study compares the labeled and measured SPF of some of the sunscreens manufactured in the Philippines, and has found major differences between the labeled and measured SPF values of the sunscreens.