Reflections from AAKO on Sunscreen Formulation and UV Filters

HSH Chemie and AAKO explored the latest UV filter innovations, formulation strategies, and regulatory trends shaping the future of sun care. Discover key takeaways from our latest webinar on high-performance, sustainable sunscreen solutions.

A woman in a sun hat applying sunscreen, emphasizing the need for effective sunscreen formulation and UV protection.

Effective sunscreen formulation is key! Discover UV filter innovations from our exclusive webinar with AAKO.

 

To meet the growing need for effective, eco-friendly sunscreens, companies that make personal care products need to keep up with changing regulations and customer standards. HSH Chemie, hosted an exclusive webinar, in partnership with AAKO on March 4, 2025, that covered the best UV filters, sunscreen formulation strategies, and legal considerations that will shape the future of sun care innovation.

AAKO: A Leader in UV filter Solutions

AAKO is a trusted supplier of high-quality sunscreen ingredients, developing UV filters for sun protection, personal care, and industrial applications. Based on innovation, compliance, and sustainability, AAKO helps formulators make sunblocks that are safe, efficient, and up to date with changing industry standards. Learn more about the best UV filters on AAKO’s website.

AAKO's Expertise for Improving Sun Care

The AAKO presentation was about sun care science, with a focus on improving product performance while making sure strict global regulations are met. Attendees learned how to make lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen formulations that provide enhanced SPF protection, last longer, and feel good on the skin.

Sun protection remains one of the most challenging categories in personal care due to the complexities of balancing efficacy, stability, and regulatory requirements.

HSH Chemie and AAKO showcased the newest developments in UV filter technology, sharing the main sunscreen ingredients needed to make innovative sun care products with formulators.

 

Addressing Key Sun Care Challenges

During the session, AAKO emphasized the key factors necessary for developing effective sun care products:

• Choosing the Best UV Filters: Picking the best combination of filters is essential for getting broad-spectrum protection and maintaining the stability of the sunscreen formulation.
• Even Distribution in Formulations: Distributing UV filters evenly in formulations to improve both the SPF's effectiveness and the way the skin feels.
Regulatory Considerations: It’s important that sun care products abide to the changing rules, such as the EU Cosmetic Regulation updates, China's CSAR requirements, and environmental restrictions to ensure product compliance.
• Consumer Expectations: Today's consumers want effective sun care products that are environmentally responsible, look good, and don't contain any controversial ingredients.

Innovative UV Filters for Sun Protection

Those who attended the webinar learned about AAKO's newest sunscreen formulation and their main sunscreen ingredients, featuring highly effective UV filters designed for superior performance:

  • AakoSun BEMT: A powerful broad-spectrum UV filter delivering high SPF and water resistance with minimal concentrations, making it ideal for long-lasting sun care formulations.
  • AakoSun OTZ: A highly efficient UVB filter known for its outstanding absorptivity and photostability, enabling the development of high-performance sun care products.
  • AakoSun DHHB: A photostable UVA and UVB filter that enhances durability and water resistance in sunscreen formulation, ensuring long-lasting sun protection.

These sunscreen ingredients not only provide superior protection but also address industry concerns such as sustainability, non-nano requirements, and compliance with emerging regulations.
 

Navigating Sun Care Regulation Changes

Another big topic of discussion was how quickly the regulatory landscape is changing.
The sun care industry faces increasing scrutiny over UV filters, with bans and restrictions on certain chemical filters due to environmental and health concerns. The webinar addressed pressing regulatory topics, including:

Ban on UV filters such as 4-MBC and OMC, because they are toxic to coral reefs.
New limits on prevalent UV filters like HMS and OCR based on their potential to disrupt hormones.
Compliance with global standards such as EU regulations, FDA guidelines, and China's strict CSAR requirements.
Growing demand for sustainable formulations, including non-nano, biodegradable, and RSPO-certified ingredients.

Enhancing Sun Care with the Right Emollients

In addition to UV filters, the webinar brought up the significance of emollients in sunscreen formulation. Emollients play an important role in helping make UV filters more stable, spreadable, and soluble. Also, AAKO's AakoEmo line includes a variety of emollients designed to improve the effectiveness of sun protection:

  • Diisopropyl Adipate (DIIPA) – A polar, lightweight emollient that enhances absorption and improves skin feel.
  • Triethyl Citrate (TEC) – A natural, light emollient that contributes to a smooth application and non-greasy finish.
  • Dicaprylyl Ether (DOE MB) – A less polar, lightweight emollient ideal for improving texture and spreadability.
  • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (AB-A) – A medium-polarity emollient that enhances UV filter solubility while providing a pleasant skin feel.

Blending these emollients in the right proportions can significantly improve product performance, helping sunscreen formulators develop high-SPF, consumer-friendly sun care solutions using these main sunscreen ingredients.

 

Key Takeaways from the AAKO Webinar

The HSH Chemie and AAKO webinar provided invaluable insights into the next generation of sun care innovations. As consumer expectations and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, brands must prioritize:

Smart selection of UV filters to strike a balance between effectiveness, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
Advanced formulation techniques to ensure stability, spreadability, and sensory appeal.
Ongoing regulatory management to keep up with changing industry standards and maintain market access.
Eco-friendly product creation using reef-safe, non-nano, and biodegradable materials.

For those who missed the live session, HSH Chemie and AAKO have made the presentation materials available to all attendees. If you’d like to receive further details on AAKO’s sun care portfolio or expert guidance on formulating next-generation sun protection products, feel free to reach out to our team via the contact form below.

Future-Proof Your Sunscreen Formulation

At HSH Chemie, we are dedicated to helping our partners drive innovation in the personal care sector by providing them with industry-leading expertise, premium ingredients, and regulatory advice. Stay tuned for more upcoming webinars on the newest trends and solutions in chemical distribution and personal care innovation.

Curious about our other personal care webinars? Read our Mibelle Biochemistry webinar article, where we explored anti ageing skincare ingredients. Or check out our Hallstar webinar article about their sustainable silicone alternatives and sustainable beauty products.

How Can We Help You?

Is there anything we can do for you? If you are interested in our sun care products or need more information, please let us know! Use our contact form to get in touch with our expert team.

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