To develop a popular sunscreen formula, the following technical points are generally considered: the selection and compatibility of sunscreen agents and oils; the combination of sunscreen synergists and film-forming agents; the selection of emulsification systems; the addition of skin feel adjusting ingredients, etc. So, what role do silicone materials play in sunscreen formulations?

Refreshing effect - volatile silicone oil

Sunscreen agents with strong sunscreen ability are usually in solid state. When designing refreshing sunscreen formulations, it is necessary to match liquid oil-based sunscreen agents with moderate solubility, and at the same time, add silicone oil with high volatility to provide refreshing skin feel, especially in W/ O formula system.

Sunscreen and waterproof synergy - silicone film former

W/O system sunscreens are used, because most of the sunscreen agents are in the oil phase of the external phase, and the sunscreen ingredients can be continuously spread, while the oil-soluble sunscreen agents of the O/W system all stay in the oil phase, and the sunscreen agents are easily dispersed and discontinuous after application, resulting in a "window". effect”, thereby reducing the effectiveness of sun protection. Therefore, it is necessary to mix with water-soluble sunscreen agents and add film-forming agents to enhance the waterproof and sunscreen effects of the formula.

System Stability Defender - Silicone Emulsifier

Silicone emulsifiers are often used in W/O emulsification systems. Generally, emulsifiers with strong emulsification ability have large molecular weights, large hydrophilic and lipophilic groups, and thick and heavy skin when used. Emulsifiers with relatively small molecular weights will have weaker emulsifying power and stability, but will feel refreshing on the skin, so they need to be used together in formula design.

Skin feel modifier - silicon micropowder

The birth of powder-based raw materials provides more skin-feeling styles for sunscreen products. Commonly-used powder-based raw materials include: silicon micropowder, which can improve the smoothness of the skin; compound silicon powder, which makes the skin feel softer and more close to the skin.

Improve compatibility and skin adhesion - phenyl silicone oil, alkyl silicone wax

The molecular polarity of organic sunscreens is generally high, so when selecting oils and fats, medium to high polar oils should be selected. Phenyl silicone oil and alkyl silicone wax are polymers with a branched chain structure of hydrocarbons attached to the silicone oil chain. It has good compatibility with high polar oils. Adding phenyl silicone oil and alkyl silicone wax can increase the compatibility between oils and fats in the oil phase system and improve the skin-adherence of the product.

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