Analysis of Sunscreen Ingredients and Their Functions

Asked by: sincere9955 On: June 04, 2023 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Please analyze the following list of ingredients and explain their likely functions in a sunscreen formulation:

  1. Water
  2. Homosalate
  3. Ethylhexyl Salicylate
  4. Alcohol Denat.
  5. Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
  6. Dipropylene Glycol
  7. Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
  8. BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL Methoxyphenyl Triazine
  9. ISOAMYL P-Methoxycinnamate
  10. Octocrylene
  11. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
  12. METHOXY PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone
  13. Butylene Glycol
  14. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  15. Dimethicone
  16. Caprylyl Glycol
  17. Fragrance
  18. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
  19. Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
  20. Ethylhexylglycerin
  21. Isohexadecane
  22. Sodium Hydroxide
  23. Hexanediol
  24. Disodium EDTA
  25. Sorbitan Sesquioleate

Answer

Analysis of Sunscreen Ingredients

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients you provided and their likely functions in the sunscreen formulation:

UV Filters: These are the active ingredients that protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

  • Homosalate: An organic UV filter that primarily absorbs UVB rays.
  • Ethylhexyl Salicylate: Also known as Octisalate, it is an organic UV filter that absorbs UVB rays and helps to solubilize other UV filters.
  • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: Also known as Avobenzone, it is an organic UV filter that absorbs UVA rays. It is often combined with other filters for stability.
  • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine: Also known as Tinosorb S, it is a broad-spectrum organic UV filter that is highly stable and effective against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate: Also known as Amiloxate, it is an organic UV filter that primarily absorbs UVB rays.
  • Octocrylene: An organic UV filter that absorbs UVB and short UVA rays. It also helps to stabilize Avobenzone.

Solvents & Carriers: These ingredients help to dissolve or disperse other ingredients and form the base of the product.

  • Water: The primary solvent.
  • Alcohol Denat.: A solvent that can help with texture and quick drying, but can also be drying to the skin for some individuals.
  • Dipropylene Glycol: A solvent and humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.
  • Butylene Glycol: A solvent and humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: An emollient and solvent derived from coconut oil and glycerin, providing a light, non-greasy feel.
  • Isohexadecane: A light-feeling emollient and solvent.
  • Hexanediol: A solvent, humectant, and can act as a preservative booster.

Texture Enhancers & Film Formers: These ingredients contribute to the feel and spreadability of the product and can form a film on the skin.

  • Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer: A polymer that can provide a mattifying effect and improve texture.
  • Dimethicone: A silicone-based ingredient that provides a smooth feel and can form a protective barrier on the skin.
  • Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone: A silicone-based emulsifier.

Thickeners & Emulsifiers: These help to create the product's consistency and keep the oil and water phases mixed.

  • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: A polymer used as a thickener and gelling agent.
  • Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: A polymer used as a thickener and emulsifier.
  • Sorbitan Sesquioleate: An emulsifier that helps to blend ingredients.

Soothing & Conditioning Agents:

  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
  • Ethylhexylglycerin: Can act as a skin conditioner and is often used as a preservative booster.

Other Ingredients:

  • Caprylyl Glycol: A humectant, emollient, and often used as a preservative booster.
  • Fragrance: Added to give the product a scent.
  • Sodium Hydroxide: Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
  • Disodium EDTA: A chelating agent that helps improve the stability of the product.

This list represents a typical broad-spectrum sunscreen formulation with a variety of UV filters to provide comprehensive protection, along with ingredients for texture, stability, and skin feel.