Achieving UVA Protection and Awaiting Regulation Updates at the Sunscreen Symposium

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: September 25, 2009

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Following Epstein, Chuck Jones (Dow Personal Care) presented on optimizing the efficiency of inorganic sunscreens. According to Jones, a conundrum exists between formulating to achieve a high SPF and maintaning good aesthetics. He introduced methylcellulose as a sunscreen booster, noting it can double the SPF of sun care products.

Osterwalder then correlated the radical sun protection factor of sunscreens with their UVA protection factor. According to Osterwalder, “Good radical protection means good UV protection.”

Finally Mike Davies (Essential Ingredients) rounded out the first lineup of morning presentations with a discussion of pine rosin from pine stumps. According to Davies, abietic acid derived from rosin can protect the skin from UV damage.

After the morning break, Alain Thibodeau, PhD (B&T Technologies) continued the talks with a discussion on sorbitan olivate in silicone systems to enhance UV protection. He described a naturally derived sorbitan olivate-based technology developed to provide UV protection and provide water-resistancy to formulations.

Oliver Springer, PhD, (Evonik Goldschmidt GmbH) then touched upon the role of emollients in sunscreen formulations. According to Springer, it is important for emollients in sun care formulations to be multifunctional.