Oil-Free Physical Silicone Sunscreen Formulation
Question
I want to make an oil-free physical sunscreen with a silicone base. What ingredients should I order to achieve a smooth, soft texture that is not sticky or tacky?
Answer
Ingredients for Oil-Free Physical Silicone Sunscreen
To create an oil-free physical sunscreen with a smooth, soft, non-sticky silicone texture, you will need a combination of specific ingredients. Here are the key components and recommended products from the catalog:
Physical UV Filters: You need ingredients that physically block UV rays.
- Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Cyclopentasiloxane Base): This product is a dispersion of transparent Titanium Dioxide in Cyclopentasiloxane, making it ideal for a silicone-based formula without leaving a white cast. It provides UV protection. You would typically also need Zinc Oxide for broad-spectrum protection, but this Titanium Dioxide dispersion is a great start for the silicone base.
Silicone Base: The foundation of your oil-free formula.
- Cyclopentasiloxane (Low-Odor Cyclomethicone): This is a volatile silicone that provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel and evaporates quickly, leaving a smooth, dry touch. It's the primary solvent and base for this type of sunscreen.
Texture Enhancers: To achieve the smooth, soft, and non-sticky feel.
- Silicone Gel 9040 (e.q. DC 9040, Cyclopentasiloxane Base): This silicone elastomer gel helps create a powdery, soft, and smooth feel, reducing tackiness and providing a matte finish. It significantly improves the texture and spreadability.
- SiliSilk™ 1.5Micron (Silky Touch, Soft-Focus): This silicone powder blend enhances the silky, soft touch and can provide a soft-focus effect, further contributing to the desired smooth and non-sticky feel.
Emulsifier (Optional for Water-in-Silicone): If you plan to include a water phase for hydration or water-soluble actives, you'll need a silicone-compatible emulsifier.
- PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone (e.q. Dow 5225C): This is a water-in-silicone emulsifier that can help create a stable emulsion if you incorporate a water phase into your silicone base.
By combining these types of ingredients, focusing on the silicone base and texture enhancers like the silicone gels and powders, you can formulate a physical sunscreen that is oil-free, silicone-based, and has the desired smooth, soft, non-sticky texture. Remember that formulating sunscreens requires careful consideration of UV filter concentration and dispersion to achieve adequate SPF and PA ratings.
