Sunscreen Formulation with Sponge Gel

Sponge Gel (Sodium Acrylate Crosspolymer) can be used as a base in sunscreen formulations, particularly for creating a refreshing, water-based gel texture. Its ability to absorb and release water makes it suitable for this application. It can also tolerate moderate levels of electrolytes, which is important when incorporating various active ingredients.

Water-Soluble Sunscreen Ingredients

For easy-to-mix, water-soluble or water-dispersible sunscreen ingredients, consider the following:

• Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Water-Dispersion): This is a physical sunscreen that is dispersed in water, making it easy to incorporate into water-based or oil-in-water formulas without leaving a white cast.
• AquaForce™ DHHB (Water-Dispersion): This is a chemical sunscreen that is water-dispersible, offering broad-spectrum UVA protection and is easy to mix directly into the water phase.
• UV35 (Polyurethane-35): While not a sunscreen active itself, this is a water-dispersible film former that can boost SPF and water resistance in your formula.

Simple Sunscreen Gel Formula Example

A simple water-based sunscreen gel formula using Sponge Gel could look like this:

• Water: ~70-80%
• Sponge Gel: 1.0 - 2.0% (adjust for desired viscosity)
• AquaForce™ DHHB (Water-Dispersion): 10 - 20% (or other water-dispersible sunscreen actives/dispersions)
• UV35 (Polyurethane-35): 1 - 5%
• Preservative: 0.5 - 1.0%

Mixing Method: Disperse Sponge Gel in water using a blender or stirrer for at least 3 minutes until the gel structure begins to form. Add other water-soluble/dispersible ingredients like AquaForce™ DHHB and UV35, ensuring they are fully dispersed or dissolved. Add preservative last. Continue stirring until homogeneous. The gel will fully set over about 30 minutes.

Compatibility with Other Ingredients and Electrolytes

Sponge Gel (Sodium Acrylate Crosspolymer) can tolerate moderate levels of electrolytes. However, many of the ingredients you listed are electrolytes or can be affected by pH, which might impact the viscosity and stability of the Sponge Gel base, especially at higher concentrations or when combined.

Ingredients from your list that are electrolytes or contain components that are electrolytes include:

• Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu): Contains copper ions and is a peptide.
• DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol Tartrate): Contains tartrate salt.
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid salts like Calcium Pantothenate or Sodium Pantothenate): If using a salt form, it contains metal ions. (Note: Panthenol is generally not an electrolyte).
• Adenosine Liposome (specifically Adenosine Phosphate Disodium): Contains sodium salt. Liposome structures can also be sensitive to high electrolyte concentrations.
• Wrinkle Fill (Acetyl-Tyrosine): Can have charged groups depending on pH and is acidic.
• Pep Coll (Palmitoyl tripeptide-5): Is a peptide, which is an electrolyte.

Ingredients like Wrinkle Lax (Stevioside) and Glycereth-26 are less likely to cause significant electrolyte issues as they are generally non-ionic.

When combining multiple electrolyte-containing ingredients with Sponge Gel, it is crucial to perform compatibility testing with your specific formula and concentrations. High total electrolyte concentration or extreme pH values can cause the gel to thin or break. Start with lower concentrations of electrolyte-sensitive ingredients and observe the stability of the gel over time.