Executive Summary

Murad: Antioxidant vitamin supplements taken in combination with SPF-15 sunscreens increase SPF value by 8-10%, according to a study sponsored by the Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based skin care firm. Conducted by Consumer Product Testing Co., the 10-person study evaluated the potential of Murad's antioxidant supplements "to change photobiological responsiveness in human subjects." Over a seven-day period, participants received separate applications of three Murad sun care products, were given antioxidant supplements twice daily and exposed to UV light. At the end of the week, a 7.9% boost in SPF value was recorded for the company's Murasun Daily Sunblock and a 10.4% increase for its Murasun Daily Sunscreen product. Murad announced earlier this year its plans to launch the antioxidant supplement line in May...