Summer and Sun Protection: A Season to Reconsider Sunscreen Formulations

More Than Just SPF: A New Era in Sun Care

As temperatures rise and days grow longer, summer becomes synonymous with outdoor activities, beach vacations, and increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. During this season, protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays is more important than ever. Sunscreens play a vital role in preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer, making them a key product in both personal care routines and the cosmetics industry.

However, the demands on sun care products are growing. Consumers are no longer looking only for high SPF values—they also expect transparency, a non-greasy finish, ease of application, water resistance, and clean-label, environmentally responsible ingredients. These expectations challenge formulators to innovate and go beyond traditional formulations.

The Challenge of Inorganic UV Filters

The effectiveness of a sunscreen depends not only on the active UV filters it contains but also on the way those filters are formulated and dispersed. Inorganic filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are widely recognized for their broad-spectrum protection and photostability. These mineral-based filters are often favored in “reef-safe” or “natural” formulations due to their non-chemical action and low environmental toxicity. However, they pose challenges in formulation due to their tendency to aggregate, their opacity, and their impact on texture, spreadability, and skin feel.

The Role of Emollients in Sunscreen Performance

This is where emollient systems play a crucial role. A well-designed emollient can significantly enhance the dispersion of inorganic filters, improve the uniformity of the film on the skin, and ultimately boost SPF performance, all without compromising the sensorial experience. Selecting the right emollient becomes essential not just for functional purposes, but also for achieving aesthetic and sensory appeal.

LipidRadiance: Smart Lipid Technology for Better Sunscreens

LipidRadiance, a new emollient derived from enzymatically modified sunflower oil, was developed precisely to address these challenges. Its polarity has been carefully engineered to support the efficient dispersion of UV filters, making it an excellent carrier for inorganic particles. Thanks to its superior wetting properties and high spreadability, LipidRadiance enhances the overall performance of the sunscreen formulation, contributing to better protection and a more pleasant application.

In addition, LipidRadiance meets the growing demand for sustainable and naturally derived ingredients. Produced through a green enzymatic process, it aligns with the principles of clean beauty and eco-conscious formulation. Its compatibility with vegan, preservative-free, and PEG-free systems makes it especially valuable in modern sun care ranges targeting health- and environment-conscious consumers.

As consumer demand grows for high-performance, naturally derived, and sustainable cosmetic ingredients, innovations like LipidRadiance offer formulators a new tool to elevate sun care products. It bridges the gap between protection and pleasure, helping brands deliver sunscreens that not only perform under harsh sunlight but also feel great on the skin—ensuring that protection goes hand in hand with comfort and efficacy during the sunniest months of the year.

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Questions and answers: FDA announces new requirements for over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen products marketed in the U.S. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-announces-new-requirements-over-counter-otc-sunscreen-products-marketed-us

Latest news

11/7/2024

Camilo Castro

Revolutionizing Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: The Game-Changing Impact of MirrorTissue

Mirror Tissue is revolutionizing plant-based meat by replicating the texture and taste of animal fat, enhancing the authenticity of plant-based products. This innovation meets growing consumer demand for high-quality meat alternatives.

08/27/2024

Manuel Sánchez & Leidy Pimienta

How tailored lipid solutions can overcome the production challenges of dairy analogs

Zero deforestation is a priority objective for companies that seek to be leaders in their category and that seek to contribute positively to the planet and communities.

08/15/2024

Manuel Sánchez & Leidy Pimienta

MOSH and MOAH Control: Ensuring Food Safety through High-Impact Strategies

Zero deforestation is a priority objective for companies that seek to be leaders in their category and that seek to contribute positively to the planet and communities.

04/29/2024

Leidy Pimienta

Trends in the consumption of functional drinks and infant formulas in the United States

Lipids play a significant role in functional beverages by providing palatability and texture, making them appealing to consumers. Learn more about our innovations for this category.

03/22/2024

Leidy Pimienta

BlueLife: This is how we achieve recycling water that is suitable for life

Learn about our water recirculation program that allows native fish species to live in optimal ecosystems.

02/9/2024

Leidy Pimienta

Is it possible to impact sodium and saturated fats through lipids?

At Alianza Team, we develop lipid technologies that may impact the amount of sodium and saturated fat content in products such as chips, snacks, dips, laminated bakery, and more.

11/29/2023

Luisa Rios, Ph.D. Research Scientist

Revolutionizing bakery: Unlocking the potential of Oleogels for texture, wellbeing and sustainability

Discover how the use of oleogels in bakery applications can offer a range of advantages for the industry.

08/16/2023

Leidy Pimienta

Vegetable oils in salmon nutrition

We work to achieve a salmon feed that is sustainable and has great nutritional value.

07/19/2023

Camilo C. PhD.

Maximizing cost efficiency with Mirror High Oleic technology in commodity oils

Say goodbye to the limitations of high oleic oils with Mirror High Ole…