Sun protection is essential for skin health – a fact that cannot be emphasised enough. The regular use of sunscreen has therefore long been an indispensable part of any skincare routine. However, in addition to protecting against sunburn, a good sunscreen product must now meet a number of other important requirements. Let's take a look at the most important criteria:
- Sunscreen products must provide reliable protection against UV rays without posing any health risks to users.
- They must comply with strict safety standards and legal requirements.
- The formulations must remain stable even under extreme conditions such as heat, humidity or prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- The environmental compatibility of sunscreen products (their impact on marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs) is also becoming increasingly important.
- And finally, application and skin feel, as well as consideration of different skin types and their individual needs, play a decisive role in product development.
But let's take a closer look at some of these points.
Which UV filter should you choose?
In the sunscreen industry, a distinction is made between two different UV filters, both of which have different mechanisms of action and properties:
Organic filters absorb incoming UV radiation and convert it into heat. This prevents the radiation from penetrating the skin and causing damage. Formulations with organic filters are pleasant to apply and do not leave any white residue.
Inorganic filters (also known as mineral filters) reflect incoming UV radiation. Recent findings even show that they can also absorb some of the radiation. They are particularly kind to the skin and therefore very suitable for sensitive skin, especially children's skin. However, many people find the visible white residue annoying and unpleasant.
We have observed that preferences regarding UV filters vary depending on the country or region. However, protection and effectiveness are guaranteed in all cases, as every product is tested in accordance with the relevant standards.
The challenges of developing modern sun protection products
Developing sunscreen products that are both effective and pleasant to use requires a high level of expertise and innovation. A wide range of requirements must be met, which often compete with each other.
The ultimate goal in the development of sunscreens is to combine effectiveness and safety. This requires careful selection and testing of UV filters and ingredients. Regulatory requirements also play an important role. Legal regulations, which vary from country to country, must always be taken into account in the formulation and marketing of products.
Another important aspect is the stability of the formulation. Sunscreen products must retain their effectiveness even under extreme conditions such as heat, humidity or prolonged exposure to sunlight. The ingredients must therefore be precisely coordinated, which is verified through extensive testing.
Sustainability aspects are also becoming increasingly important. This is not just about coral-friendly formulations. Packaging should also be as environmentally friendly as possible. We therefore use recyclable materials that support the circular economy and conserve resources. Production processes are also continuously optimised to reduce energy consumption and thus minimise the environmental impact during manufacturing.
Finally, there is a growing desire for personalised products that are tailored to different skin types and individual needs. This requires not only a deep understanding of skin biology, but also continuous research and innovation in product development.
The importance of private label sun protection compared to established, more expensive brands
At the Mibelle Group, we develop and produce private label sun protection products for retailers. These have gained a lot of trust and popularity in recent years and are an attractive alternative to big, often expensive brands. They're awesome in a bunch of ways:
- Value
Private labels offer comprehensive protection against UV radiation, just like well-known brands, but at a significantly lower price. - Quality, safety and environmental friendliness
Our own brands meet strict quality and safety standards. They are in no way inferior to the major brands in terms of protection and effectiveness. The same applies to sustainability, which is a major focus for us at the Mibelle Group, together with our customers. - Diversity and innovation
Private labels have greatly expanded their product ranges in recent years. They also offer a wide selection of formulations tailored to different skin types and needs. - Availability
Virtually all major supermarkets and drugstore chains now stock an extensive range of their own-brand sunscreen products at affordable prices.
Private label sunscreen products are therefore a high-quality, inexpensive and often even more sustainable alternative to established brands.
Current trends in the development of sunscreen products
The sunscreen industry is constantly evolving to meet the growing demands of consumers. The following trends are particularly noticeable at present:
Sustainability as standard
Sustainability is no longer an optional feature, but a must. Consumers are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly formulations, biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging. The avoidance of environmentally harmful UV filters that could damage coral reefs is a key issue here.
Multifunctional sun protection products
There is a clear trend towards combining sun protection and facial care in daily skincare routines. Products are increasingly combining sun protection with additional skin care properties such as protection against light-induced skin ageing, free radicals and negative environmental influences. Many face care products now offer SPF 30 or even SPF 50, which ensures greater protection for skin health.
New textures and application experiences
Consumers want sun protection products that feel pleasant and can be easily integrated into their daily routine. The focus is on light, non-sticky textures, fast-absorbing formulations and innovative formats such as sprays, sticks or gel creams that are easy to apply.
The development of sun protection products is facing exciting but also challenging times. The introduction of new testing methods, the search for sustainable raw materials and the critical review of UV filters show how dynamic and scientifically demanding this field is. However, these advances also offer the opportunity to develop innovative and more environmentally friendly products for the future.
And this is what our sun protection product of the future looks like
Nadine:
Personally, I prefer a sensitive product with an SPF of 50 or even 50+, ideal for sensitive skin with maximum protection against UV- e rays. For the future, I would like to see new biopolymers (a more sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers, which are poorly biodegradable) that can be used in sunscreens to stabilise and improve water resistance . These should ensure an even more stable formulation and, at the same time, a more pleasant skin feel.
Silvia:
My favourite is a light, mattifying face product with niacinamide, which reduces redness and ensures a delicate finish. In the future, I would like to see new oils, that can dissolve an even higher proportion of UV filters, so that we can develop even lighter formulations – for a more comfortable feel without compromising on protection.
And what is your favourite sun protection product?
And do you know which product is best suited to which situation?
And do you know what the most common mistakes are when applying sunscreen and how to avoid them?
We will address these questions in detail in a follow-up article.
