NEW SILICONE TOOLS SHINE LIGHT ON UV PROTECTION

In response to the continuing concern over ozone depletion and consumers’ increased exposure to heightened levels of UV radiation and potential skin damage, Shin-Etsu Silicones of America (SESA: A U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Japan) has recently updated their sunscreen toolbox. These additions to the line include silicones that offer benefits such as durable UV protection, high water resistance, excellent skin feel, wider formulation latitude, and enhanced SPF values. The key SESA products include silicone-acrylate film formers, MQ resin film formers, and amino-modified gum blends that have features to overcome the low water resistance and ‘heavy’ feel deficiencies of current O/W systems that use organic sunscreens as the protectants.