Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. (SESA) aims to address the growing consumer demand for sunscreens that combine high UV protection with a refined, lightweight sensory experience. The company recently showcased its latest ingredient innovations and two non-greasy, aesthetically pleasing sunscreen concepts that reportedly feel exceptional on the skin.
In particular, SESA's silicone technologies are said to enable the creation of sunscreens with improved transparency, enhanced spreadability and a silky, soft finish. They also prevent the unwanted residue and white cast often associated with mineral and organic sunscreens, particularly on deeper skin tones, the company reports.
Key Ingredient Highlights
Key dispersion and dispersant highlights include:
- SPD-WT1 aqueous dispersion (INCI: Titanium Dioxide (and) Butylene Glycol (and) Hydrated Silica (and) Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone (and) Hydrogen Dimethicone); and
- KF-6115 dispersant (INCI: Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone).
These are designed to support the creation of high-SPF mineral sunscreens with minimal whitening and a pleasant feel.
Additionally highlighted were the alkyl-modified silicone elastomer gels:
- KSG-45 (INCI: Coco-Caprylate (and) Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer) and
- X-22-6695B (INCI: Jojoba Oil (and) Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer).
These are said to provide a soft, velvety and mattifying effect, transforming the feel of both mineral and organic sunscreens.
Featured Sunscreen Concepts: Sheer Milk and Clear Gel
Showcasing these ingredients, SESA presented two innovative formula concepts during the 2025 Florida SCC Sunscreen Symposium.
SPF 50 Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Milk: This globally compliant, non-whitening shake-type formula contains a high level of nano-fine ZnO using KF-6115 as the dispersant. To add to the silky soft feel, KSG-45 was incorporated for a powdery feel and soft-focus effect.
SPF 40 Anhydrous Clear Gel Sunscreen: According to SESA, typically anhydrous clear gel sunscreens are greasy, feel heavy and yield low SPF due to incompatibility within the chassis. To overcome this, two elastomer gels were incorporated: the alkyl modified KSG-45 and X-22-6695B.
KSG-45 provides a soft, velvety lightweight feel to combat the greasy feel from the UV filters, while X-22-6695B has excellent compatibility, per the company.
Meeting Sunscreen Formula Challenges
"Consumers are seeking optimal aesthetic effects while providing broad spectrum SPF protection," stated Aga Montes, senior chemist at SESA’s Cosmetics Application Laboratory.
"The formulations and textures we presented ... offered a wide array of SPF sunscreens ... all with elegant skin feel and non-whitening effect on the skin. This continues to evolve our mission of providing forward-thinking solutions to sunscreen formulation challenges in the marketplace.”
