Encapsulated/Treated TiO2 and ZnO for Sunscreen Formulation

Creating Sunscreen with Encapsulation Technology for TiO2 and ZnO

For creating sunscreen using encapsulation technology with physical sunscreen agents like Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO), encapsulation for these materials typically involves coating the particles or dispersing them in a liquid base. This makes them easier to incorporate into formulations, improves stability, and helps mitigate drawbacks of physical sunscreens such as whitening or uneven dispersion.

Forms of Treated/Encapsulated TiO2 and ZnO

Based on the product information found, forms of TiO2 and ZnO that have undergone particle modification (related to encapsulation or treatment) to improve their properties for sunscreen formulations include:

• Coated Particles: This involves coating TiO2 or ZnO powder with substances like Triethoxycaprylylsilane or Polymethylsilsesquioxane. This helps them disperse well in oil or silicone bases, reduces particle aggregation, and improves texture. Examples include Zinc Oxide (40nm, Triethoxycaprylylsilane Coated) and Titanium Dioxide 30nm SilkTouch™ (Polymethylsilsesquioxane Treated).
• Ready-to-Use Dispersions: This involves dispersing nano-sized TiO2 and/or ZnO particles in a liquid base such as water, oil, or silicone. This makes them easy to mix into formulations, eliminates the need for powder dispersion, and helps create lightweight sunscreens with less whitening. Examples include Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Water-Dispersion) (dispersed in water), Zinc Oxide 40nm Dispersion (Water Base) (dispersed in water), Titanium Zinc NanoLiquid™ DEC (dispersed in Diethylhexyl Carbonate), and Titanium Zinc NanoLiquid™ CYCLO (dispersed in Cyclopentasiloxane).

Benefits of Using Encapsulated/Treated Raw Materials

Choosing TiO2 and ZnO raw materials in coated or ready-to-use dispersion forms offers several advantages in sunscreen formulation development, such as:

• Excellent Dispersion: Particles do not clump together, ensuring uniform distribution of the sunscreen agent throughout the formula for maximum sun protection efficiency.
• Reduced Whitening: Especially nano-particles that are coated or in dispersion form significantly reduce the white cast issue on the skin after application compared to untreated powders.
• Improved Texture: Helps create sunscreens with a lightweight, easy-to-spread, non-greasy texture.
• Formula Stability: Helps improve the stability of emulsions, particularly in challenging formulations.

Therefore, if you wish to create a sunscreen with encapsulation technology using TiO2 and ZnO, you should consider using raw materials that are surface-coated particles or in the form of ready-to-use dispersions, depending on the type of base you intend to develop for your formula.