Enhanced formulation convenience for sun care

Markus Schwind, Senior Marketing Manager Sun Care, BASF: 

The scientific com-munity has been studying the mechanisms of sun protection for a long time, but lately a lot of attention has been centered on the positive effects of UV light. Take the production of vitamin D and the range of feel-good hor-mones that the human skin only produces when it is exposed to the sun. However, the importance of UV protection cannot be over-stated. SPF levels must match climatic condi-tions and, at the same time, allow the right balance of protection and exposure. 

As the market for sun care products that pro-tect sensitive skin against photodermatosis grows, we have been researching the UV-induced formation of free radicals. These can be assessed through an ESR-based method called radical potential (RP) and avoided with the right UV filter combination.

We have also developed Tinosorb S Lite Aqua, the water-dispersible form of the oil-soluble Tinosorb S, which brings broad-band UV protection to the water phase. This allows manufacturers to reduce the UV-filter load in the oil phase for more formulation flexibility and very light formulations. Dis-tributing the UV-filter load between the oil and water phase boosts the SPF and UV-A protection factor.

Thirdly, the combination of BASF-patented UV-filters Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb A2B provides very effective and completely photo-stable protection across the UV-B and UV-A range, as their absorption spectra complement one another perfectly.

For sun care experts, we offer the broadest portfolio of UV filters in the market as well as a large variety of excipients. Also for new-comers to the field of sun care, we have a convenient solution: Cold-processable, pre-servative-free Uvinul Easy offers an easy solution for sun and skin care products, with a range of attractive sun protection benefits. It is simply mixed with water and a thickener to create a fine O/W emulsion. The amount of this UV-filter mix used determines the SPF: 15% Uvinul Easy provides an SPF of 15, while 50% provides an SPF of 50.

The choice of sunscreen certainly depends on geographical location, weather and skin type – but cultural values such as prevailing beauty ideals also play an important role. In Asia, for example, fair skin is highly sought after and in Korea, China and India, sun protection and even avoiding the sun altogether are consid-ered critical.

By contrast, consumers in South America will gladly sunbathe on beaches, which of course requires entirely different sun protection products. 

Our marketing experts are constantly taking the pulse of the market and monitoring trends in different regions. We are also continually improving our broad portfolio of sun care ingredients to match consumers’ needs – whether that means offering the broadest-possible UV protection, photostability or increased formulation flexibility.

BASF offers the broadest portfolio of UV filters in the market and a wide range of emol-lients and emulsifiers that pave the way for formulations with the pleasant sensory prop-erties consumers demand. We are continuous-ly improving our offering through research: The newest UV filters on the market are BASF developments. To create innovative products that really meet consumers’ needs and desires, we look at current market trends and, of course, relevant scientific develop-ments. And lastly, we’ve set our sights on providing consumers across the globe with access to the very best sun protection prod-ucts. That’s why we ensure that all our UV filters are registered – even if it takes a while in some cases.