Silicone-Free Sunscreen Ingredients

To achieve a sunscreen without silicones and minimize white cast, you can focus on using transparent UV filters and non-silicone emollients that provide a smooth skin feel.

Here are some ingredient types and specific products that can help:

• UV Filters (Sunscreen Agents):

  • Transparent Physical Filters: Products like Titanium Dioxide Transparent (10nm, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Base) or Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Base) use very small particle sizes dispersed in an oil base (like C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate) to offer UV protection with minimal to no white cast.
  • Chemical Filters: Organic filters such as Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) (for UVA protection) and Octisalate / Ethylhexyl Salicylate / Octyl Salicylate (for UVB protection) are oil-soluble and do not cause a white cast. They need to be properly formulated for stability.
  • Water-Dispersions: Products like AquaForce™ AVO (Avobenzone/BEMT Water-Dispersion) offer stable, water-dispersible chemical filters that can be used in lightweight, water-based formulas without a white cast.

• Silicone Alternatives / Emollients: These ingredients provide a smooth, non-greasy feel similar to silicones.

  • CocoSilk™ (Coco-Caprylate/Caprate): This is a lighter ester often used as a replacement for silicones like cyclopentasiloxane.
  • C15-19 Alkane: A natural-origin oil that is lightweight and provides good slip and a feel similar to silicone.
  • LipidSoft™ B (Dibutyl adipate): An emollient commonly used in sunscreens that helps dissolve UV filters, boosts SPF, spreads easily, and feels light.
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: A non-greasy emollient ester that helps moisturize and soften the skin.
  • Oil Gel Bases: Bases like C12-15 alkyl benzoate Gel (Flowable), Dicaprylyl Carbonate Gel (Flowable), or Hemisqualane (C13-15 Alkane) Gel can provide structure and a pleasant feel to the formula without using silicones.

By combining appropriate transparent UV filters with non-silicone emollients and bases, you can create a silicone-free sunscreen formulation that is effective and aesthetically pleasing without leaving a white residue.