Millions of beauty consumers see sun protection as the most powerful weapon in the fight for healthy, younger-looking skin. According to a global Mintel survey, 76 percent of adults aged 25–34 expressed interest in specialty skincare with SPF. Fifty-four percent of women in the U.S. have used specialty skincare (think: lip balm, eye cream) with SPF, and 40 percent have tried makeup with SPF. Consumers increasingly know the benefits of suncare: anti-aging, prevention of skin cancer, and reduction in hyperpigmentation. Yet many applications still do not offer any SPF protection because traditional UV sunscreens have not met regulatory or performance standards.

Consumers Distrust Chemical Sunscreens, Minerals Have Challenges

The recent scrutiny of sunscreens has shaped consumer preferences towards zinc oxide as the preferred sunscreen. In 2019, a proposed rule by the U.S. FDA stated that 12 commonly accepted chemical sunscreen agents were not considered GRASE and require additional data to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. In addition, a study by Valisure (an independent testing lab) found benzene, a known carcinogen, in 78 of 300 sunscreens tested. Shortly thereafter, Johnson & Johnson issued an independent recall of spray sun products, citing the presence of benzene in internal testing. Most recently, new research suggests a popular sunscreen, octocrylene, may degrade into a suspected carcinogen, benzophenone, resulting in researchers calling for an FDA recall. Although chemical UV filters tend to offer non-whitening and lightweight sensory benefits, consumers are looking for zinc oxide-based solutions because of these safety concerns.

Yet, mineral UV filters have historically presented formulation challenges. Traditional titanium dioxide and zinc oxide dispersions may cause whitening. They may also use coatings and emulsifiers derived from unsustainable petrochemicals or silicones that consumers do not like. Titanium dioxide lacks the complete broad-spectrum UV protection that zinc oxide offers, particularly for UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging.

CleanScreen Is the New Global Standard

CleanScreen Z60SF was designed to solve these issues to help brands include clean SPF protection in every new product that touches consumers’ skin, particularly in facial skincare and color cosmetics.

CleanScreen Z60SF is a powerful non-nano, zinc oxide UV dispersion featuring Neossance Squalane that provides silky smooth SPF protection in skincare and color cosmetics without petrochemically derived ingredients or silicones. Product developers can easily launch anti-aging, non-whitening applications that provide complete coverage and align with consumers’ desire for clean beauty.

In a world in which consumers want sun protection, safety, and sustainability, formulators finally have the potential to lead a future wherein cosmetics protect and delight consumers in every skincare or color cosmetics application.

See how CleanScreen Z60SF can boost your next formulation: Request a sample.

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