Achieving SPF50 PA+++ by adding ingredients to existing cream

Asked by: artanee On: November 20, 2018 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Can I achieve SPF50 PA+++ by mixing the following ingredients into an existing cream?

  • Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid
  • Zinc Oxide 35nm Liquid
  • Silk Mica Powder Matte

Answer

Achieving SPF50 PA+++

Thank you for your question regarding mixing ingredients into an existing cream to achieve SPF50 PA+++.

Simply mixing Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid, Zinc Oxide 35nm Liquid, and Silk Mica Powder Matte into an existing cream is not recommended as a reliable method to achieve a specific SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and PA (Protection Grade of UVA) level like SPF50 PA+++.

Achieving a precise SPF/PA rating requires a carefully developed formulation and rigorous testing. The effectiveness of sunscreen depends on several factors, including:

  • The specific type and concentration of UV filters (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide).
  • How well the UV filters are dispersed within the formula.
  • The overall composition and stability of the cream base.
  • The thickness and uniformity of application on the skin.

Titanium Dioxide primarily protects against UVB and short-wave UVA, while Zinc Oxide provides excellent protection against long-wave UVA. For broad-spectrum protection covering both UVA and UVB wavelengths, it is essential to use both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide together in the correct ratios.

Mica Powder, such as Silk Mica Powder Matte, is typically used in cosmetic formulations for texture, feel, and visual effects (like mattifying or concealing). It does not function as a UV filter and will not contribute to the SPF or PA rating of a product.

To create a sunscreen with a specific SPF and PA, it is best to formulate it from scratch using recommended percentages and procedures provided by the raw material suppliers. The product descriptions for ingredients like Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid and Zinc Oxide 35nm Liquid often include example formulations that have been tested to achieve certain SPF/PA values. These examples serve as a valuable starting point for developing your own sunscreen product.

For instance, the description for Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid includes an example water-in-oil formula using 25% Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid and 15% Zinc Oxide 35nm Liquid, which achieved SPF 51.06 and PA++. This demonstrates that specific concentrations are needed within a suitable base formulation to reach high protection levels.

Attempting to modify an existing finished product by adding active ingredients can compromise its stability, efficacy, and safety. For accurate and safe sunscreen formulations, especially to achieve high SPF/PA values, following tested formulations or consulting with a cosmetic chemist is highly recommended.