Silica as SPF-Booster in Sun Care

Evonik’s AEROSIL® fumed silica is a safe, multifunctional additive for formulating highly effective and innovative sun care. AEROSIL® grades provide solutions for processing challenges as well as specific performance benefits. They serve as rheology modifiers in all formats from sun care lotions, oils, and gels to sprays or sticks. An added benefit of silica is its SPF-boosting effect, which enables the formulation of sunscreens with high sun protection factors (SPF), while also offering the possibility of reducing the amount of UV filters in a formulation.


Alternative image

Benefits of Evonik’s silica for sun care

 

  • Reduced UV filter concentrations through SPF boosting
  • Reduced tackiness for a flawless, silky finish
  • Improved spreadability for convenient application

Sunscreen with high SPF globally on the rise

Smart effects of silica in sun care products

UV filter challenge

Sunscreen with a high concentration of UV filters is a challenge for manufacturers and formulators who must weigh the pros and cons of the different organic and inorganic UV filter systems. Stabilizing emulsions is difficult because a large amount of oil is needed to dissolve UV filters. And is crucial to prevent UV filters from settling, as this would compromise UV protection. In general, the goal is to achieve the best possible sun protection while minimizing the amount of UV filters used.

 

AEROSIL® helps reduce UV filter load in sunscreen

AEROSIL® fumed silica increases the efficiency of sunscreen products by enhancing stability, viscosity, and spreadability. Thanks to silica's absorption properties, sun care products leave a pleasantly light, non-greasy feel on the skin. This allows formulators to reduce the total UV filter load while maintaining or improving SPF performance. This applies to mineral filters as well as organic filters.

 

Sustainable ingredient for sun care

Silica (silicon dioxide) is an established, approved, and safe to use ingredient in personal care formulations. No distinction can be made between Evonik’s silica and naturally occurring silicium dioxide (SiO2) in minerals or plants. Silica simply joins the geological cycle of minerals if rinsed from the skin and released into the environment.

AEROSIL® fumed silica is suitable for vegan, cruelty-free, halal, and kosher formulations. Hydrophilic AEROSIL® grades come with a COSMOS and Natrue certification. 

Downloads

Fact Sheet 84: Multifunctional sun care solutions - smart SPF-Boosting with Evonik Silica

Guide Formulation 10: Lightweight sunscreen SPF* 15 with AEROSIL® R 974 and SPHERILEX® 10 PC

Guide Formulation 12: Dry tough wet skin oil SPF 50, UV-DE-18-036-1-4