FROM SUNSCREENS TO THE SEA

Sunscreens are complex compositions, with UV filters being the key element in the formulations reaching up to about 30% in content in the final product. In the last decades, they have increasingly been used to protect human skin from detrimental effects of UV radiation such as skin aging and skin cancer.

Because of their widespread use, UV filters have been widely detected in freshwater and marine environments. These ingredients reach into the sea in two different ways:

– Directly: Leisure activities such as swimming in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas or even sunbathing on green land.

– Indirectly: Untreated or treated wastewater.

CHANGE IS COMING

An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen are deposited into our oceans every year! This data has originated a deep concern about the potential effects of UV filters on aquatic organisms. Consequently, countries such as Hawaii have banned two UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) on sunscreens, and more countries are expected to follow Hawaii’s steps in the future.

TRENDS: THE RISE OF ECO-CONSCIOUS SUNSCREENS

Traditionally, properties such as high quality, a wide variety of applications, photostability of the UV protection, good spreadability onto the human skin, and excellent sensory texture during and after the application have been crucial for the consumer.

Recently, environmentally friendly and sustainable cosmetics and sunscreen products have caught on, which has boosted companies to start replacing the low eco-score UV filters from their SPF formulations.

OUR FUTURE-PROOF UV FILTERS

Our main goal is to contribute to the wellness of ourselves and the Earth while formulating sunscreens and skin care products. For this reason, DSM evaluates all its filters to achieve higher eco-score and lower PBT (Persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic) to help our customers build more eco-friendly formulations. Moreover, we provide more advantages cost in use, efficient UVA/B protection, and enhanced solubility and photostability.

Under this criteria, DSM has developed THE eco-friendly UV filter combination, which also ensures a wide range of UV-light protection:

• PARSOL ® EHT (INCI: Ethylhexyl Triazone): This UV filter delivers the highest UV-B absorption.
• PARSOL ® SHIELD (INCI: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine): A broad-spectrum filter that efficiently provides UVB and UVA protection.
• PARSOL ® 1789 (INCI: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane): A powerful and efficient UVA absorber for sunscreen and other skin care formulations. Discover the latest study («Review of the environmental fate and effects of two UV filter substances used in cosmetic products,» conducted by environmental experts from ECT Oekotoxikologie) that proves Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane’s ecological friendliness.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Thanks to DSM and its simulation tool SUNSCREEN OPTIMIZER, you will be able to optimize eco-friendly sunscreen filter combinations since it considers the regulatory limits and the latest studies.

Moreover, our Technical and Applications Experts will be glad to help you develop a sustainable sun care formulation, including the most eco-friendly UV Filters on the market.

REFERENCES

– K. Duis, T. Junker, A. Coors. Review of the environmental fate and effects of two UV filter substances used in cosmetic products (2022). Available on: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151931
– Innova Database. Available on: https://innovadatabase.com/
– Mintel Database. Available on: https://es.mintel.com/