A successful decade in skin protection
Merck and Sachtleben are collaborating in the development of inorganic UV filters, that make sunscreen and skin care products even more effective and easier to use.
For the past ten years, Sachtleben Chemie and Merck have been cooperating closely in a market characterized by transition and change. This successful alliance has resulted in a wide range of UV filters for the cosmetics industry marketed under the brand name Eusolex® T, which was first launched in 1995.
Together with Merck, Sachtleben develops products using ultrafine titanium dioxide, which is produced and refined in state-of-the-art facilities at Sachtleben. Merck is responsible for the cosmetic application technology, customer service and marketing before the UV filters are used to manufacture cosmetics around the world.
Eusolex® T UV filters - efficient protection all day
Cosmetic manufacturers use Eusolex® T UV filters in a wide variety of products which no longer include only the classic sun protection products such as tanning lotions and sunscreens, but also many daily skin care products - specifically for facial care. UV protection is also desired in decorative cosmetics, and UV filters are increasingly being used also in hair care products.
The titanium dioxide is refined through application of a special coating to the crystals. During this process various organic and inorganic substances are applied to the primary particles in an ultrafine layer only a few nanometers thick. This coating significantly helps to enhance the properties of the UV filters.
Cosmetics manufacturers can process the filters more easily in the production of sunscreen products. Furthermore, higher levels of SPF can be achieved in combination with organic UV filters thanks to the synergetic effect.
Consumers can really feel the difference: The sunscreen is easier to apply, absorbs faster and, thanks to the microfine particles, coats the skin with an ultrafine, transparent layer of protection.
Innovation through multifunctional titanium dioxides
At this year’s Innovation Meeting in Darmstadt, representatives from Sachtleben and Merck discussed new projects designed to further improve inorganic UV filters.
Two jointly developed UV filters, Eusolex® T-AVO and Eusolex® T-OLEO, are the most recent examples. Depending on their specific needs, customers can choose between powder-based Eusolex® T-AVO and liquid Eusolex® T-OLEO. The special advantage of these UV filters, besides the UV broadband filter effect, is the fact that they are highly compatible with sensitive organic UV filters and polymer thickeners. These thickeners help sunscreens to maintain the desired consistency, also at extremely high temperatures, for example at the beach.
Merck and Sachtleben are working to develop additional titanium dioxide-based multifunctional ingredients and to optimize their UV protective properties.
