Clear Gel Sunscreen Formulation

To create a clear gel sunscreen, you will need to use chemical UV filters as physical filters (like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) are opaque.

Sunscreen Ingredients

• Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is a chemical sunscreen that provides excellent UVA protection, which is important for preventing skin aging. It is a powder that needs to be dissolved in an oil or suitable solvent. Note that Avobenzone can be unstable and should not be used with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. It often requires stabilization with other UV filters like Octocrylene or through specific technologies.
• AquaForce™ AVO (Avobenzone/BEMT Water-Dispersion) is a water-dispersible blend containing Avobenzone and BEMT (equivalent to Tinosorb S). This is a stable and effective option for water-based formulations like gels and is easier to incorporate than powder Avobenzone. It provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

You would select one or a combination of chemical sunscreens to achieve the desired SPF and PA protection level.

Gelling Agent

• Carbomer 940 is suitable for creating clear gel textures and can suspend particles like beads. It is dispersed in water and then neutralized with an alkali (such as Triethanolamine or Sodium Hydroxide) to form a gel.
  • Important Considerations for Carbomer 940:
    • It does not tolerate electrolytes well.
    • It does not tolerate acidic pH (below 5); the gel will break. The final formula pH should be in the range of 6-7.
    • Avoid high-speed mixing (above 2500 rpm) after gelling, as it can damage the polymer structure.

Incorporating White Beads

Carbomer 940 gel, when properly neutralized to a sufficient viscosity, can suspend white beads, allowing them to be visible throughout the clear gel without settling.

In summary, you can use chemical sunscreens like Avobenzone (either the powder form dissolved in a suitable solvent phase or a water-dispersible version like AquaForce™ AVO) along with Carbomer 940 as the gelling agent to create a clear gel sunscreen that can suspend white beads. Remember to neutralize the Carbomer 940 to form the gel and ensure compatibility between all ingredients, especially the sunscreen filters and the gelling agent's pH requirements.