The online simulation tool is intended for use by the sun protection formulators, the global ingredients player says.
The formulation simulator enables all sunscreen formulators to develop products more efficiently and to optimize existing formulations before going on to verify SPF performance in vivo, says DSM.
First presented at the Sunscreen Symposium in Florida on September 16, the tool is now available for free online use.
Why use the tool?
Alexander Schlifke, Head of Product Development Sun Care at DSM, explains the tool’s function and how formulators can use it in practical terms.
“The Sunscreen Optimizer allows formulators to compare different formula ideas side by side,” he says. "Hence it offers complete clarity about the UV protection contribution of each individual UV filter by providing instant results that are as close as possible to its performance in normal use.
“Its calculation algorithm takes into consideration a broad range of performance criteria, including regional regulatory requirements.
“This new tool calculates not only SPF, but also other parameters, including solvent requirements and the new blue light protection which has been such a hot topic recently.”
What can it do?
The new tool is able to take full account of inorganic filters such as TiO2 and ZnO, as well as factoring in the synergies achieved by polymeric filters and outcomes from the latest research on photostabilization and photostability kinetics, says DSM.
It also calculates close to in vivo results obtained with performance-boosting water-soluble filters.
Following the incorporation of photostability data obtained with PARSOL® 1789 (INCI: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) the online tool can also be used to accurately predict UVA protection values.
It has a user-friendly interface, enabling:
- Capture of all key information at a glance
- Concomitant comparison of tests for formulation optimization
- Full compatibility with mobile and tablet devices
- Profile personalization in Settings
- Saving of work to the user’s own archive
It can be accessed here.