Sunscreen Formulation Review: SPF, Texture, and Water Resistance
Question
I have a sunscreen formulation and would like to ask the following:
- Can this formula be mixed?
- Can you provide a rough estimation of the SPF and PA values?
- Are there any suggestions for increasing or decreasing ingredients, focusing on high sun protection, fast absorption, non-sticky texture, and non-clogging properties?
- Is the current formula sufficient for sweat and water resistance? Is it necessary to add
WaterGuard™ Ultra?
Here is the formulation:
Light Invisible Sunscreen: 64.4%Safe B3: 5%Allantoin: 0.5%Panthenol: 2%Disodium EDTA: 0.1%SelectSorb: 2%AquaForce™ EHT: 15%AquaForce™ AVO: 6%น้ำกลั่น(Distilled Water): 5%- Total: 100%
Answer
Formulation Review and Suggestions
Here is a review of your sunscreen formulation and answers to your questions:
1. Can this formula be mixed?
Yes, this formula is generally mixable, but careful attention is needed during the mixing process, especially with ingredients in different forms like powders and water dispersions. Ensure that each ingredient is properly dispersed or dissolved in the appropriate phase according to its specifications before combining.
2. Estimated SPF and PA
Based on the ingredients and their concentrations, particularly the combination of the Light Invisible Sunscreen base (which already provides SPF50+, PA++++) with additional AquaForce™ EHT and AquaForce™ AVO, this formula is expected to provide very high SPF and PA protection, likely exceeding SPF50+ and PA++++. However, achieving a specific SPF and PA claim requires actual laboratory testing of the final product.
3. Suggestions for Improvement (High Sun Protection, Fast Absorption, Non-Sticky, Non-Clogging)
- High Sun Protection: The current formula already has a high level of sun protection ingredients. No major adjustments are needed for this goal, but lab testing is crucial to confirm the final SPF/PA values.
- Fast Absorption, Non-Sticky: The
Light Invisible Sunscreenbase is described as light and non-sticky. The inclusion ofSelectSorb(PMMA) at 2% is beneficial for absorbing excess oil and reducing greasiness, contributing to a faster-absorbing and less sticky feel. The formula seems well-designed for these properties. - Non-Clogging: The ingredients are generally suitable for minimizing clogging risk in a light, water-based formula.
SelectSorbhelps manage oiliness, which can be a factor in clogged pores. Individual skin reactions can vary, but the formulation appears reasonable for this concern.
4. Sweat and Water Resistance
The current formula does not contain a dedicated film-forming polymer specifically for sweat and water resistance. While the AquaForce™ ingredients are water dispersions, this primarily relates to their form for easier incorporation into water-based formulas and stability, not necessarily imparting significant water resistance to the final product.
To achieve reliable sweat and water resistance, it is necessary to add a film-forming polymer. WaterGuard™ Spray (Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer) is suitable for this purpose. Adding WaterGuard™ Spray at a rate of 1.0-3.0% is recommended to provide effective water and sweat resistance. Note that WaterGuard™ Spray dissolves in alcohol, so you would need to incorporate it into the alcohol phase (the Light Invisible Sunscreen base contains some alcohol) or adjust your mixing method accordingly.
Adding WaterGuard™ Spray will enhance the formula's performance for activities involving sweat or water exposure, ensuring the sun protection remains effective longer.
In summary, your base formula is promising for high protection and good texture. Adding WaterGuard™ Spray is recommended to meet your requirement for sweat and water resistance.
Related Products Mentioned
Allantoin
Disodium EDTA
WaterGuard™ Spray
SelectSorb™ (High Oil Absorption PMMA)