cyclicalQA:SPF – Registration Open for the Next Four Rounds 2026–2027

liu.yue@quodata.de
SPF cyclicalQA

Alongside the reference method ISO 24444, several alternative SPF test methods have become established in recent years. How these methods compare to one another and to the reference method has so far remained largely unclear. This is precisely the question addressed by the cyclicalQA:SPF proficiency testing scheme, launched in 2025 by QD Labs LP together with its partner QuoData, which combines proficiency testing with continuous method-performance monitoring for sunscreens.

The scheme builds on a large-scale method characterization study and several follow-up studies, in which QuoData played a significant role, as well as the publication of two alternative methods as ISO standards. QD Labs LP is accredited to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 (ANAB) for numerous schemes and is currently in the process of obtaining accreditation for cyclicalQA:SPF as well.

Following the successful completion of the first round, QD Labs LP is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the next four rounds. Each round, participating laboratories receive two different sunscreen sample materials and may submit results using more than one method — including in vivo (ISO 24444), double plate (ISO 23675), HDRS (ISO 23698, mono- or polychromatic), fused method, LED-HDRS, and in silico.

The upcoming rounds are scheduled as follows:

  • 2026 - Round 1: 06.10. – 15.12.2026, registration deadline 30.09.2026
  • 2027 - Round 2: 16.02. – 13.04.2027, registration deadline 26.01.2027
  • 2027 - Round 3: 18.05. – 13.07.2027, registration deadline 27.04.2027
  • 2027 - Round 4: 17.08. – 12.10.2027, registration deadline 27.07.2027

Participating laboratories receive substantially more than a simple pass/fail result: feedback on their performance within their peer group, insight into the relative performance of the different methods, and updated method-performance characteristics. Laboratories booking the four-round bundle also receive a cross-round evaluation report in addition to the round-specific report, along with a discounted per-round rate. Laboratories that participate regularly and successfully may also be listed as expert institutes on the QD Labs website.

To register, you can go directly to the product page in the QD Labs webshop at https://pt.qd-labs.com/en/product/1162. 

 

QuoData looks forward to continuing its work with QD Labs LP on this program.

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