Alcohol-Free Lightweight Gel Sunscreen Formulation

You're looking to create a lightweight, easy-to-spread gel sunscreen for daily use, similar to Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+/PA++++, but without the alcohol. Alcohol is often used in gel sunscreens to provide a light feel and help dissolve UV filters, but it can be drying for some skin types.

It is possible to create a similar texture and high protection level without relying on high levels of alcohol by carefully selecting alternative ingredients.

Here are some key ingredient types and examples you can consider:

• UV Filters: To achieve SPF50+/PA++++ broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB), you can use a combination of modern UV filters that are effective and can be formulated in systems with low or no alcohol. Examples include:
  • SPF Protect Ultra™ III: A blend designed to provide high SPF and broad-spectrum protection.
  • Bisoctrizole: A highly effective, broad-spectrum filter that can be dispersed in water.
  • Drometrizole Trisiloxane: A photostable filter offering strong UVA and UVB protection.
• Gel Forming Agents: To create the desired gel texture in the water phase without alcohol, consider gelling agents that provide a non-greasy feel and good stability. Options include:
  • Sepimax Zen: A thickener that is highly tolerant to salts and varying pH levels, suitable for stable gels.
  • AnyGel™: A water gelling agent known for its non-greasy texture and resistance to electrolytes.
• Oil Control and Skin Feel: To help control shine and provide a smooth feel, ingredients like silica can be used.
  • UltraBlur™: Provides a skin-blurring effect and improves texture. For better oil absorption, consider ingredients specifically designed for sebum control like SelectSorb.
• Film Former: Adding a film former can help boost SPF and improve water resistance.
  • UV35: A film former that can enhance SPF and water resistance without adding tackiness.

By combining these types of ingredients in a suitable base (primarily water), you can formulate a lightweight, non-greasy gel sunscreen with high UV protection that meets your requirements without using alcohol. Remember that achieving the target SPF and PA values requires testing and careful balancing of the UV filter system.