Ashland develops a way to apply sunscreen to wet skin

According to company representatives, Ashland developed the formulation after it discovered that hydrophobic film, under special formulating conditions, was miscible in water.

The discovery is said to be significant in that consumers can now apply sunscreen onto skin that is wet, without unsightly whitening effects typically formed by standard water-resistant sunscreen formulas.

“Consumers may now apply or re-apply water-resistant sunscreen at any time as there is​ no longer any need to dry off when using sunscreen formulations with hydrophobic films miscible in water​,” Anna Gripp, global marketing leader for skin and sun care, explained.

Formulation efficacy​

The patent-pending 'HydroSheer' sun care continuous spray formulations contain the company's 'Advantage Plus' polymer and select Ceraphyl esters that provide clear films, said to bring an added level of convenience to consumers.

“Formulators of water-resistant sunscreens now have the assurance of properly functioning spray form products that may be applied in wet conditions​,” says Hani Fares, senior director of the Ashland skin care research department.

Hydrophobic barrier​

According to Ashland representitives, experiments were carried out in order to demonstrate how it's Advantage Plus polymer re-orients itself when interfaced with water, resulting in a more hydrophobic barrier.

"The polymer self-adapts, moving above the active ingredient upon contact with water, whilst the re-orienting film forming polymer above the active helps to prevent sunscreen from being removed."​

Finally, representitives say that all of the ingredients required to manufacture and market the spray form products will be taken care of by Ashland whilst production procedures will be made available along with testing and evaluation for consistency with prototype formulations.