UV filters are the workhorses of sun protection products. The rapidly growing markets for sunscreens and for beauty products that include sun protection mean that more and more formulators around the world are turning to UV filters.
In 2008, Personal Care Europe published an overview of sunscreen regulations, which focused on approved UV filters in various countries.1 Since its publication, the worlds of UV filters, associated government regulations, and products that offer sun protection have evolved. Consumer demand for effective sun protection while enjoying outdoor activities has increased. Sun protection has become an integral part of daywear products like foundations and creams. Identification of approved UV filters is of great importance to formulators, marketers, and manufacturers, whether their finished products are primarily beauty products or sun care products. It is imperative that they understand which UV filters can be used in each locale. With such knowledge, finished products may be designed for regional or global markets and for optimal cost effectiveness. The knowledge of approved UV filters is also important to companies like HallStar Company. Although we do not manufacture or market UV filters at this time, HallStar supports UV filter producers and finished sunscreen marketers. When we understand their goals, we are able to offer ingredients that improve performance and consumer satisfaction, such as our HallBrite and Spectrasolv solvents for crystalline UV filters and SolaStay photostabilisers for photolabile UV filters. The results are sun care products with fully solubilised and optimally photostabilised UV filters (e.g., butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) that offer global acceptance and lower cost of goods. A word of caution to the reader: harmonisation of permitted UV filters and concentration ranges will probably never be achieved globally. Continued changes in permitted UV filter lists can therefore be expected. The formulator is encouraged to consult current and pending legislation related to consumer products in general and sunscreens in particular prior to initiating product development efforts.
Chart notes
Additional countries and economic zones have been added to the current chart. As you peruse the chart, here are some of the changes that have occurred in the last five years.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
