The global suncare market is growing, driven to a big extent by consumers becoming more aware of the risks of not applying proper protection to the skin. At AAK, we’re dedicated to helping to create sunscreens that are effective, pleasant to use, and environmentally friendly.
Summer holidays are approaching for a lot of us and that often means long hours where our skin is exposed to the sun. Today, consumers are more aware than ever of the risks associated with not properly protecting their skin. However, there are still barriers to suncare usage - with consumers mentioning disliking the way the product feels, fear of being exposed to toxic ingredients, and polluting the environment as some of the key reasons behind not using sunscreen.
2024 sunscreen trends:
Consumers are looking for light, fluid formulations that are easy to spread on the skin and leave no white residue. Choosing the right emollient when formulating is key as it will impact the sensory profile (lightness) and its ability to disperse UV filters will impact the fluidity, easiness of spread, and homogeneity of the final formulation. There is a trend to use more mineral filters as brands turn to these filters as a way of formulating their sunscreens in a more natural way. However, working with mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be challenging, leading to thick, uneven formulations that leave a white cast – just the opposite of what consumers want.
Easy to spread, without leaving a white cast
At AAK we want to support formulators in developing sunscreens that are appealing to consumers from both a sensorial and an environmental and safety perspective. With that, we can hopefully support overcoming the barriers of sunscreen usage.
Our LIPEX SheaSolve is an example of a product that achieves just that: ethically sourced shea-derived ester, eco-designed, and derived from 100% natural and renewable sources. It has a low viscosity and polarity which gives it a light texture. It offers excellent wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing properties of mineral UV filters enabling formulation of sunscreens with high SPF but still fluid, easy to spread, and without leaving a white cast. The best of both worlds!
Want to know more?
Blog post: How do you choose the right emollient for mineral sunscreen formulations?