Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can have harmful effects on the skin, ranging from sunburn to an increased risk of skin cancer. This is where sun care products, such as sun creams, come into play.
To be officially recognised as a sunscreen product, sunscreen must protect against UVA & UVB, the types of UV radiation from the sun that is dangerous to the skin.
These products work through two key mechanisms of action: scattering and absorbing. In this article, we will delve into the science behind these mechanisms and explore some of the products offered by Surfachem that can be used in SPF (Sun Protection Factor) products.
Scattering: The First Line of Defence
Scattering is one of the primary mechanisms by which sun care products protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. It involves reflecting or scattering UV rays away from the skin’s surface. This is achieved through the use of physical sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that act like tiny mirrors reflecting the sun’s rays.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are highly effective in scattering both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, making them versatile choices for broad-spectrum sun protection.
Absorbing: Deeper Protection
While scattering provides an initial line of defence, absorbing UV radiation is another crucial mechanism in sun care products. Chemical sunscreens, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into less harmful forms of energy, such as heat.
Each chemical sunscreen ingredient has its unique properties and UV absorption spectrum, making it essential to formulate products that offer broad-spectrum protection.
Surfachem’s Sun Care Solutions:
Surfachem provide a wide range of products, perfect for use in a wide range of SPF and sun-care products. Our extensive portfolio includes a wide range of ingredients designed to meet the specific needs of formulators and help create innovative and effective sun care products.
Understanding the science behind sun care products is crucial for making informed choices about skin protection. Scattering and absorbing are two key mechanisms that work together to shield the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Surfachem provides a variety of high-quality ingredients that can be incorporated into SPF products to enhance their performance and ensure comprehensive sun protection. Whether you’re formulating physical or chemical sunscreens, Surfachem has the solutions you need to create effective and safe sun care products.
| Product | Description |
| ISOLAN® 17 MB | W/O emulsifier fully based on renewable resources with outstanding stabilization properties for even sprayable W/O formulation with a high content of inorganic and organic UV filters |
| TEGO® Care PBS 6 MB | O/W emulsifier fully based on renewable resources with additional moisturizing properties. Perfectly suitable for demanding ingredients such as inorganic and organic UV-filters and a perfect fit for low viscous, even sprayable) formulations. |
| TEGO® Care 450 MB | O/W emulsifier, which is very versatile, PEG-free and based on vegetable raw materials providing moisturizing properties and support of water resistance. |
| TEGOSOFT® TN | Classic emollient (C12-15 alkyl benzoate) with excellent solvent properties for lipophilic active ingredients and UV filters. It is characterized above all by its high polarity and pleasant, non-oily skin feel. |
| TEGOSOFT® XC MB | Emollient with excellent solvent properties for UV filters and lipophilic active ingredients. Especially suitable for sun care applications with high SPF (sun protection factor) due to its slight SPF-enhancing effect. Gives a light and non-greasy skin feel, ideal for elegant textures in sun care and skin care formulations. |
| dermofeel® sensolv MB | Highly spreading, light emollient for natural formulations with a light and non-sticky skin feel. Very good solubilization of crystalline UV filters. Shows excellent wetting properties of hydrophobic coated pigments. |
| TEGO® SP 13 Sun Up | Oil-soluble sensory additive based on alkyl-modified acrylate homopolymer with optimized film-forming properties leading to higher UV filter performance. Sensory additive for "dry handle" which improves absorption and reduces oily residues/gloss. |
| TEGO® Feel C 10 | 100% natural cellulose fiber obtained from sustainable European forestry. It shows excellent absorption properties for cosmetic oils and human sebum and gives the skin a matt appearance. |
| dermosoft® OMP | For product protection of sun formulations |
Find Out More
For more information on our range of SPF products please contact us or send us an email at info@surfachem.de
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