SynMax (UVA+UVB, Water Dispersion) is a high-load, water-dispersible blend of modern organic UV filters designed to be added directly into the aqueous phase of sunscreen emulsions while still delivering broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection.
Instead of relying only on oil-phase filters, SynMax distributes the UV screening system across both water and oil domains of an emulsion. This helps close "water-path" gaps through which UV light can normally leak, making it easier to reach very high SPF and UVA-PF targets in light, non-greasy textures.
The concentrate combines Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150) and Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenyl Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S) with optimised emollients, film formers and dispersants. The result is a photostable, broad-spectrum system that covers UVB and both UVA2/UVA1 ranges and maintains performance under thermal and solar stress.
Product description: SynMax is a pre-engineered UV filter dispersion that loads a high level of photostable, oil-soluble filters into a water-dispersible matrix. The system is built around three complementary filters (DHHB for deep UVA, Ethylhexyl Triazone for very efficient UVB blocking, and BEMT, Tinosorb S, bridging UVB and UVA) balanced with emollients such as dibutyl adipate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, dicaprylyl carbonate and C13-15 alkane, plus film-forming polymers. Surfactants and polymeric dispersants are selected to keep the UV filters finely dispersed and stable, reducing recrystallisation and phase-separation risk in finished sunscreens.
- Broad-spectrum coverage (UVB plus UVA2/UVA1) using modern, photostable organic filters.
- Water-dispersible system that allows UV protection to be present in both aqueous and oil regions of an emulsion.
- Facilitates very high SPF and UVA-PF in lighter, more watery textures compared with classic high-oil systems.
- Designed to cooperate with additional oil-phase filters already present in the formula to tune SPF, water-resistance and sensorial profile.
Usage: Use as the primary UV filter package or as a high-efficiency booster in face and body sunscreens, daily wear emulsions, tinted bases, and water-light or gel-cream textures where a non-greasy feel and high SPF and UVA protection are required. For robust, high-SPF systems, always combine SynMax with a suitable set of oil-soluble UV filters rather than using SynMax alone with only water.
Mixing method:
- Add SynMax to the aqueous phase (water part) of the formulation or to a separate pre-mix that is then blended into the water phase; do not formulate it as a standalone “water-only + SynMax” system without any oil-phase UV filters.
- SynMax can be heated with the aqueous phase up to about 80 degC when necessary (for example when matching the temperature of a hot oil phase), but it is recommended to avoid prolonged holding at high temperature once the UV filters are fully dispersed.
- Homogenise until a smooth, homogeneous dispersion is obtained, then proceed with standard emulsion-making (oil phase, neutralisation and thickening, and so on), ensuring that a portion of the total UV filter load is still present in the oil phase for optimal film formation and water resistance.
- Maintain finished formula pH within the recommended window and avoid strongly alkaline systems to preserve filter stability.
Usage rate: 0.1-50% in the finished formula (typical 20-30% when used as the main UV system; adjust based on target SPF and UVA-PF, texture and regulatory limits in your market).
Example high-protection system (illustrative only – in vivo SPF/UVA testing of the finished product is required):
| Ingredient |
Level (% w/w) |
Notes |
| SynMax (this product) |
20.0 |
Water-dispersible UV system providing broad UVB+UVA coverage in the aqueous phase |
| BEMT (e.g. product 772) |
1.0 |
Oil-phase, very photostable filter bridging UVB and UVA |
| Ethylhexyl Triazone (e.g. product 975) |
1.0 |
High-efficiency UVB booster |
| Avobenzone (e.g. product 267) |
1.5 |
Classic UVA filter; requires stabilisation within the system |
| DHHB (e.g. product 528) |
0.5 |
Deep UVA coverage and photostability support |
In a well-balanced emulsion this type of combination can reach SPF 50+ and PA++++ while keeping the total oil-soluble filter load relatively low; SynMax supplies much of the UV screening from the water side of the system, helping the finished sunscreen remain very light on skin with a high water-phase contribution.
Product characteristics: Off-white to pale yellow, opaque aqueous dispersion with a characteristic mild odour, supplied as a flowable, pumpable concentrate.
Solubility: Water-dispersible (forms a stable, milky dispersion in water and water/glycol systems); not self-soluble in oils; compatible with typical emulsion systems within pH 3.5-7.0.
Preservative system based on phenoxyethanol and multifunctional humectant-type co-preservatives.
