DIN 53160-2 Determination of Color Fastness of Everyday Use Articles - Part 2: Test with Artificial Sweat

The standard “DIN 53160-2 Determination of color fastness of everyday use articles - Part 2: Test with artificial sweat”, published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), describes a standardized test method for evaluating the color fastness (resistance to color change or bleeding) of everyday consumer goods when exposed to artificial sweat (sweat simulator). This standard is particularly important for colored materials and articles that come into prolonged or repeated contact with human skin, where sweat can cause discoloration, staining of clothing, or migration of dyes/pigments.

The described test method evaluates how well colored items for everyday use resist the effects of artificial perspiration. It is particularly suitable for the following products:

• Products that are frequently touched by the hands (e.g., tools, pens, toys, handles).
• Products that come into contact with the skin (e.g., watch straps, jewelry, leather goods, textiles, coatings, paints).
• Products that can stain skin or other surfaces due to sweat.

It helps manufacturers and testing laboratories ensure product safety, quality, and color fastness under realistic usage conditions involving human sweat. This standard covers similar testing, often involving the use of artificial saliva, for products that may come into contact with the mouth (e.g., toys, baby products).

The basic elements of the testing method are as follows:

• Artificial sweat solution: A precisely defined chemical composition simulates human sweat (typically at pH 6,5, sometimes with adjustable or stabilized variants). Commercial test solutions, widely available from various suppliers, generally comply with relevant standards such as DIN 53160-2 and BS EN 1811 (for nickel release testing).
• Test procedure: Colored product samples are exposed to an artificial sweat solution under controlled conditions (contact time, temperature, sometimes pressure or friction).
• Assessment: Following exposure, the discoloration of the sample or staining of adjacent materials is graded (e.g., via grayscale assessment or instrumental color measurement). A common requirement in certifications is a minimum fastness rating (e.g., at least level 4-5 on the grayscale, depending on the product category or regulation).
• Applications: The results are frequently referenced in the following areas:
• Toy safety standards (EN 71 standard series)
• Consumer product certifications
• Leather and textile testing
• Coatings and surface treatments
• Jewelry and metal objects (along with nickel emission tests)

Many consumer products (especially imported ones) must demonstrate colorfastness to perspiration to avoid problems such as those listed below:

• Skin discoloration
• Color fading in clothing
• Shortened product lifespan
• Allergic reactions caused by migrating substances.

This method provides repeatable, comparable results for quality control, third-party testing, and regulatory compliance across Europe and beyond.

In short, the DIN 53160-2 standard outlines a method for determining the color fastness of products designed for daily use, particularly artificial saliva and artificial sweat. This standard is important for products that may be exposed to prolonged or repeated contact with the human body, including those frequently used by children.

The DIN 53160-2 standard applies to the following:

• Toys
• Writing instruments
• Furniture surfaces
• decorative objects
• Coated materials
• Plastic and painted products
• Coated metal surfaces

The purpose of this standard is to evaluate whether colorants or dyes migrate from the product surface in situations simulating the following conditions:

• Human saliva
• Human sweat

This standard helps ensure that products are safe for skin contact and do not release harmful colorants.

The method described in the DIN 53160-2 standard simulates real-life exposure conditions.

In general, the testing process follows these steps:

• Preparation of artificial solutions:
• Artificial saliva solution
• Artificial sweat solution (acidic)
• Exposure:
• A filter paper or cotton cloth is dipped in the test solution.
• It is brought into contact with the surface of the test sample.
• The system is subjected to defined pressure and temperature conditions.
• Time:
• Under controlled conditions, exposure typically lasts for several hours.
• Evaluation: After exposure, the filter paper is evaluated in the following respects:
• Color transfer
• Staining
• color change

The assessment is typically done using a gray scale for staining, allowing for the classification of color fastness performance.

Typical test parameters include:

• Controlled temperature (around body temperature)
• Pressure defined on the sample.
• Specific exposure time
• Standardized artificial sweat/saliva compositions

These conditions simulate realistic use cases such as the following:

• Children putting objects in their mouths
• Prolonged skin contact
• Use with sweaty hands

Results are rated using a scale (usually 1-5) as follows:

• Grade 5: No color transfer (excellent resistance)
• Grade 1: Strong color transfer (poor resistance)

Manufacturers typically specify minimum acceptable ratings depending on the product category and safety regulations.

The DIN 53160-2 standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Consumer safety: Prevents harmful dye migration, especially for children's products.
• Compliance with legal regulations: This standard supports compliance with the following:
• German product safety regulations
• European toy safety requirements
• Chemical safety frameworks
• Quality control: Ensures consistent surface coating and pigment fixation.

In conclusion, the DIN 53160-2 standard provides a standardized and reproducible method for evaluating the color fastness of everyday items under simulated saliva and sweat exposure. This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring that products are safe for human contact, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, and in helping manufacturers meet regulatory and quality requirements.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the DIN 53160-2 standard.