Sunscreen Cream Formulation: Properties and Heat Requirement
Question
I would like to inquire about the suitability of the following sunscreen cream formulation, aiming for these properties:
- SPF > 50
- Easy to spread
- Covers minor wrinkles
- Does not make the face oily
- Good water resistance
Here is the formula:
- Water: 51.00%
- Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus): 1.00%
- Light Cream Maker: 1.00%
- MatteSilica S™: 2.00%
- SPF Protect Ultra™ II: 10.00%
- Zinc Oxide 200nm EasyDisperse™: 5.00%
- Titanium Dioxide 200nm EasyDisperse™: 2.00%
- Water-Capsule™ (Water-in-Oil Cream): 3.00%
- Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane (Low-Odor): 5.00%
- Dimethicone (Light, Low-Odor): 5.00%
- Caprylyl Methicone: 5.00%
- Bisabolol (German Chamomile Extract): 0.50%
- Silk Talc Powder (Silane Coated): 7.00%
- Silk Mica Powder: 1.00%
- Silicone Film (Long-Wear, Hard): 1.00%
- Beige Iron Oxides EasyMix™: 0.50%
I would also like to ask if this formula does not require heat?
Answer
Sunscreen Cream Formulation Feedback
Regarding your sunscreen cream formulation and properties, here is an assessment:
Does this formula require heat?
Yes, this formula requires heat during the mixing process. Specifically, the ingredient SPF Protect Ultra™ II needs to be heated to 70-80°C in the oil phase to ensure it melts properly and provides its full sun protection efficacy as intended.
Suitability for Desired Properties:
- SPF > 50: The formula includes SPF Protect Ultra™ II at 10%, along with Zinc Oxide 200nm EasyDisperse™ and Titanium Dioxide 200nm EasyDisperse™. While these ingredients contribute to SPF, 10% of SPF Protect Ultra™ II alone is typically rated lower than SPF 50 (based on 15% being rated SPF50). Achieving SPF > 50 will heavily depend on the combined contribution of the physical filters (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) at these percentages. It is highly recommended to perform actual SPF testing on the final product to confirm it meets the SPF > 50 target.
- Easy to spread: Yes, the combination of various silicones (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Silicone Film) and powders (MatteSilica, Silk Talc Powder, Silk Mica Powder, Beige Iron Oxides EasyMix™), along with the Water-Capsule™ emulsifier, should result in a smooth and easy-to-spread texture on the skin.
- Covers minor wrinkles: Ingredients like MatteSilica and the silicones can provide a soft-focus or blurring effect, which can help to visually minimize the appearance of fine lines and minor wrinkles.
- Not oily: The formula contains oil-absorbing powders such as MatteSilica and Silk Talc Powder. Additionally, using Water-Capsule™ as a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier with a relatively low oil phase can result in a less greasy feel compared to traditional W/O emulsions, helping to control oiliness on the skin.
- Good water resistance: Yes, the use of Water-Capsule™ (a W/O emulsifier) and Silicone Film formers contributes to the water resistance and longevity of the product on the skin. The coated physical sunscreens also aid in better dispersion and potentially enhance water resistance.
In summary, the formula appears well-designed to meet the desired textural properties, coverage, oil control, and water resistance. However, confirming the SPF > 50 claim requires laboratory testing of the final formulation.
Related Products Mentioned
Natural Bisabolol (Brazil Chamomile)
Light Cream Maker™
Zinc Oxide 200nm EasyDisperse™
Beige Iron Oxides EasyMix™
Dimethicone (Light/50, Low-Odor)
MatteSilica 5™ (5 Micron)
Water-Capsule™ (Water-in-Oil Cream)
Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus)
SPF Protect Ultra™ II
Talc Powder (5 Micron, Silane Coated)