UV radiation is a major cause of skin photoaging and skin cancer. Prolonged exposure can lead to sunburn, accelerate aging, cause pigmentation, and increase skin cancer risk. According to the WHO, UV is a leading cause of skin cancer, with approximately 1.2 million cases of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, and 325,000 cases of melanoma annually. Additionally, UV radiation induces photoaging, causing wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation, affecting both skin appearance and health.
With increasing consumer focus on skin health and safety, sunscreen has become a key area in the cosmetics industry. Developing effective yet gentle sunscreen formulations is a critical task. In this process, selecting the right UV filters not only affects the protection level but also influences the sensory experience and stability of the final product. As a professional UV filter supplier, UNI-POWDER offers a range of inorganic and organic UV filters, providing comprehensive solutions to meet diverse market needs.
UNI-POWDER's UV Filter Solutions
Choosing the right UV filters is a crucial step in formulating effective protection. UNI-POWDER offers a range of inorganic and organic UV filters to support various formulation needs.
1. Inorganic UV Filters
Inorganic UV filters, also known as mineral UV filters, include Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO). These filters are widely used due to their physical properties and UV-blocking capabilities. They function by reflecting, scattering, and absorbing UV radiation, and their photostability and compatibility make them essential components in many sun protection products.
● Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂):
Titanium dioxide, commonly used in sunscreen cosmetics, typically adopts the rutile crystal form. It is highly effective in blocking UVB rays and offers significant shielding for UV radiation below 330 nm. Larger particle-sized titanium dioxide can also provide broad-spectrum protection. To enhance transparency and improve sensory properties, surface treatments are often applied to optimize its performance in formulations.
>> Key Features of UNI-POWDER Titanium Dioxide:
1.100% Rutile Type: Highly photostable with pure crystal morphology.
2.Excellent Hydrophobicity (excluding hydrophilic variants)
3.Superior Compatibility: Compatible with most carbomers, polyacrylamide-based emulsifiers, alkyl phosphate emulsifiers, and avobenzone.
4.Particle Size Control: Minimizes visible light scattering, reduces whitening, and maintains aesthetic appeal.
● Zinc Oxide (ZnO):
As a broad-spectrum inorganic UV filter, zinc oxide excels in long-wave UVA protection and is also recognized for its safety and antibacterial properties. Through particle size adjustment, morphology control, and both inorganic and organic surface treatments, zinc oxide achieves superior dispersion, transparency, and a lightweight, breathable texture.
>> Key Features of UNI-POWDER Zinc Oxide:
1.Broad-spectrum protection
2.High whiteness with no yellowing
3.Excellent hydrophobicity (excluding hydrophilic variants)
4.High transparency
2. Organic UV Filters
Organic UV filters protect the skin by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat. They come in various types to provide targeted protection against different UV wavelengths, meeting diverse sun protection needs. Renowned for their comfortable and lightweight feel, these filters are widely used in sunscreen products, delivering long-lasting and comprehensive protection.
| Absorption Band | Product | Characteristic |
| UVA | Unisorb SX | Macromolecular, low allergenicity, eco-friendly, excellent photostability |
| Unisorb A+ | Easy to dissolve, highly compatible, excellent photostabilit | |
| UVB | Unisorb U150 | Macromolecular, highly compatible, eco-friendly |
| UVA+UVB | Unisorb S | Broad-spectrum, excellent photostability |
3. Combining UV Filters: The Key to Effective Protection
Blending multiple UV filters (e.g., mineral, organic, or a mix of both) creates a synergistic effect, achieving higher SPF and UVA protection with less UV filter use. Different filters cover various UV wavelengths, ensuring broad-spectrum protection.
This approach overcomes regulatory limits on single-filter usage, enhances product stability, and improves the sensory experience during application.
How to Formulate Sunscreens More Efficiently?
1. Needs Analysis and Goal Setting
▷ Define target SPF, broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB), regulatory requirements, and sensory attributes.
▷ Consider usage scenarios such as daily wear, waterproof, lightweight, or moisturizing formulations.
2. Selection and Combination of UV Filters
▷ Inorganic UV Filters: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide for physical blocking.
▷ Organic UV Filters: Avobenzone, Ethylhexyl Triazone for specific UV absorption.
▷ Optimize combinations for synergy, ensuring broad-spectrum coverage and formulation efficiency.
3. Ingredient Selection and Ratios
▷ Base Components: Choose oils for dissolving filters and emulsifiers for water phase compatibility.
▷ Additives: Thickeners (carbomer, xanthan gum), stabilizers (avocado oil, glycerin), and antioxidants (vitamin E).
▷ Determine UV filter concentration and oil-water ratios for balanced protection and sensory performance.
4. Emulsion System Design
▷ Choose O/W or W/O emulsions based on desired sensory characteristics.
▷ Optimize emulsifier blends according to HLB values for ingredient compatibility.
5. Initial Formula Testing
▷ Conduct small-scale trials, optimizing stirring speed, temperature, and emulsification time to ensure uniform dispersion.
▷ Test stability, including flowability, viscosity, and particle size distribution.
5. Formula Refinement
▷ Sensory Adjustment: Add silicones or treated powders for a smoother, lightweight feel.
▷ Stability Enhancement: Include preservatives, antioxidants, and photostabilizers to prevent degradation.
7. Performance and Safety Testing
▷ SPF Testing: Verify protection using in vitro/in vivo methods.
▷ Stability Testing: Assess for separation, crystallization, or discoloration under various conditions (temperature, light, vibration).
▷ Irritation Testing: Ensure skin compatibility and prevent allergic reactions.
Photoprotection has become an essential element in modern cosmetic formulations. From the scientific principles behind sun protection factors to the variety of UV filters available, UNI-POWDER is committed to providing professional support to formulators. By combining inorganic and organic UV filters, we help our clients develop high-quality sunscreen that meets the global market's demands, offering comprehensive solutions from skincare to cosmetics.
For more information on UV filters or professional support, contact UNI-POWDER!
About UNI-POWDER
Shanghai Co-fun Biotech owns the registered trademark UNI-POWDER, one of China's leading suppliers of powder materials for cosmetics. Who focuses on researching, producing, surface treating, and applying high-performance cosmetic powders. Since our establishment in 2010, our goal at UNI-POWDER has been to prioritize customer centricity by providing one-stop-shop solutions using top-notch raw materials and formulations. Our product line includes the functional raw material for sunscreen, makeup, skincare, and powder customization services. We are committed to the spirit of craftsmanship; we hope that every makeup look can benefit from UNI-POWDER.
Post time: Jan-17-2025