UPDATE ON SUNJINS SPF TESTING : Ann Insuk’s response

SUNJINS LABORATORY SPF UPDATE

Hello, everyone, I’m the person who translated the results of Sunjin Beauty Science Laboratory Testing.

I have some updates on that matter! I think this is great news.

Ann Insuk (from Korean Institute Of Dermatological Sciences) uploaded a video about the topic. There are russian subtitles on the video, so I was able to understand what she was saying.
Firstly, she said that in-vitro is different from in-vivo. We already knew it, I mentioned it multiple times in the post and in the comments. Still, many were concerned.

Ann Insuk said that the in-vitro testing is poor at figuring out SPF, and usually only used to determine PA (PDD) protection (aka protection from UVA).
That would be still bad news because most sunscreens in the report were PA++ (or even PA+) instead of claimed PA++++.

However, she also said that PA testing was questionable! The wavelength step was 5nm, and it’s usually 1nm. And you have to use 4 plates to get the most accurate results. As far as I understand, it wasn’t disclosed if it was done or not. You also have to between 30-60minutes after applying a sunscreen on a plate, and we don’t know if they did that.

Long story short: the study done by Sunjin Laboratory is far from the ultimate truth.

Also, kudos to HOLIKA HOLIKA who reacted quickly and uploaded their in-vivo testing done in 2022. It says that I can’t include any more attachments but l will try to do it in the comments, but you can see it for yourself in their telegram channel “HOLIKA HOLIKA и друзья».

Editor/Translator notes: I know a further research is needed, but I do feel relieved after Ann Insuk’s video. I was panicking, I know a lot of people were too, but it calmed me down a bit. I still don’t know if I ever will rebuy TOCOBO ‘cause PA 4 (even if the study was done incorrectly) is concerning.
There were some comments suggesting that it’s an ad for the russian sunscreens as one tested SPF71+ but the worst performing sunscreen of the report was a russian one (skinjestique) with SPF 4 and PA
2. The second russian one performed not good, too (35|50 SPF). I get y’all’s skepticism but I suppose they performed slightly better because they are closer to American/Australian and European ones in terms of filters and, well, feel. They are greasy and cosmetically inelegant, especially compared to Asian ones. So no, they are not inherently better.
Very far from perfect

Also, if these results were true, SPF 20 is still 90% protection (I was surprised when I learned this too) and SPF 30 is 95%, if I remember it correctly. So if you wear them in city conditions and especially if you reapply, you are so safe. I know I will keep using the Korean ones in my everyday life. Preferably not from an indie brand, but a big one.

I will probably take down the first post after a few hours (it will stay up for a bit so people can use it for context). My last intent was to fearmonger or to scare people away from using any of the sunscreens listed, I even specified in the post that the best sunscreen is the one you’d actually use, even if it’s not as protectant. But I guess we’re safe?
I will make another post if there is another big update.