“The main advantages of this specific coating are three-fold,” Dr. William Johncock, global head of UV protection & functionals at Symrise, told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.
He explained that SymTio S significantly reduces the residual whitening effect on skin compared to other grades of Titanium Dioxide, substantially improves dispersion of the titanium dioxide into the emulsion, and offers improved skin feel.
Concerning the latter benefit, Johncock underlined the fact that “many formulations containing dioxide typically leave the skin with an unacceptable draggy and dull feel.” This then requires other ingredients to be added to the formulation to improve the skin feel, he explained, which adds complexity and cost to the manufacturing process.
Symrise also notes that SymTio S can be optimally used in combination with organic UV filters. “Titanium dioxide is typically used together with organic UV filters to increase the sun protection factor (SPF),” Johncock explained.
Demonstrated reduced whitening effect
In order to demonstrate the ingredient's reduced whitening effect, Symrise performed a test where an O/W emulsion containing four percent SymTio S was applied to a forearm, then compared to the application of four percent commonly used Titanium Dioxide (nano), and to pure skin without emulsion.
According to the company, the O/W emulsion containing four percent SymTio S exhibited ‘very low whitening and good transparency after only minimal rub-in (15 seconds’.
Developed to meet consumer requirements
Johncock highlights that Symrise developed SymTio S as it specifically addresses consumer requirements with regards to sun protection products.
According to the firm's global consumer insight database, most consumers want products with a high level of sun protection, with 50 percent using products with an SPF higher than 30.
“They prefer products that leave the skin smooth, are non-sticky or greasy, absorb quickly and do not color the skin, nor make it glossy,” Johncock added.