Sunscreen Certification
Tested for water resistance and formulated without ingredients prohibited by the standard to help protect marine life. Avoiding animal testing and respecting workers’ rights.
About the certification
Friend of the Sea sunscreen certification assesses specific products through checks on their formulation, water-resistance test results, packaging and labour practices. The requirements address specified ingredients, mineral nanoparticles and spray delivery, alongside product compliance and supporting evidence from manufacturers and suppliers.
Manufacturers, suppliers and end brands can apply for the products they produce or sell. An independent certification body reviews the applicable evidence. For buyers, the label identifies the products covered by certification; for applicants, the sections below explain the requirements, audit process, fees and how to apply.
What can be certified
Manufacturers, suppliers and end brands can apply for the sunscreen products they produce or sell. Certification covers the products identified in the approved scope; it does not automatically cover the entire brand or organisation.
What the standard covers
Sunscreen must maintain its SPF efficacy for at least 40 minutes in water, supported by reports from an accredited laboratory. Testing for water resistance, excluded ingredients and the applicable mineral-particle criterion must be repeated at least every three years.
Octinoxate, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, butylparaben and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are excluded.
If titanium dioxide or zinc oxide nanoparticles are used, they must be larger than 35 nm, or an independent laboratory must provide evidence that they are not harmful to marine ecosystems. Accredited laboratory reports are required. The standard does not prohibit all nanoparticles.
Sprays producing a fine mist that can be inhaled or widely dispersed by wind are prohibited. Pump sprays delivering a thick, targeted stream of cream or lotion may qualify if they meet the other requirements. Any compressed-gas propellant must meet the criteria on ozone depletion and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Products must meet the relevant health regulations in every country where they are sold. The sunscreen must not have been tested on animals, with supporting documentation from the manufacturer and ingredient suppliers.
Labour policies and audit evidence must demonstrate the required labour practices across operations. Within 12 months of the initial audit, raw-material sourcing evidence must also address supplier labour practices and respect for human rights.
Assessment and certification
An independent certification body reviews the applicable evidence and reaches the certification decision.
Certification fees
Suppliers and end brands use the same published price list. Annual logo royalties and audit charges are separate; audit costs and VAT where applicable are additional. Request a quotation to confirm the category, product-counting basis and scope for your sunscreen products. Using the same list does not mean every applicant pays the same amount.
Check certification status
Search for the specific sunscreen product and check its approved scope and current certification status. A company listing does not mean every product it sells is certified.
Frequently asked questions
No. Check the product name and approved scope. Approval of one product does not automatically cover another formulation, product line or brand.
End-brand audits are based on documentary evidence for the products submitted. The brand must obtain the necessary records from its manufacturer and suppliers. A brand that also manufactures must include those activities in its assessment.
No. Your branded products must be included in the approved scope, and your brand must obtain logo-use authorisation and pay the applicable royalties. The manufacturer’s certification does not transfer logo rights to your brand.
No. Continue to follow the product’s SPF, water-resistance and application instructions. Certification is not an instruction to use less sunscreen or delay reapplication.
No. Sunscreens can wash off. Water-resistance labelling describes tested performance for a stated period; follow the label’s reapplication instructions.
No. Certification assesses compliance with defined requirements. It does not guarantee zero impact in every marine environment.
Yes. The application process is open regardless of business size. Submit the products you want assessed so the scope, evidence and quotation can be established.
Request a quotation for your products. Audit charges and annual logo royalties are separate. The published general price list is available below; the quotation confirms the applicable category and how your sunscreen products are counted.
Apply for certification
Tell us which sunscreen products and brands you want assessed and whether you manufacture the products or source them from another producer. Submit the preliminary information form to start the scope review and receive a quotation.
Information submitted through the preliminary form is confidential and does not commit you to proceeding.