Interview with our cosmetic developer: SPF 30 Stick

What was the process of developing the multifunctional SPF 30 stick from 100% natural mineral UV filter like? Read the interview with our cosmetic developer Ing. Eva Horčíková, who is behind its creation.

What makes the mineral UV filter different from the chemical one?

Both types of UV filters have different principles of action and protection.

Organic filters include also less represented hybrid UV filters that do not absorb radiation but reflect it. 

Did you consider other types of mineral filters than zinc oxide?

No, we did not, because zinc oxide protects skin even against a broader spectrum of UVA/UVB radiation than titanium dioxide and, moreover, it is safer to work with than titanium dioxide. We considered mainly the health of our staff.  

What is the benefit of anhydrous formulation in respect of effectiveness of UV protection in comparison with classic emulsion?

Concerning effectiveness, there is no difference between the stick and emulsion, the product must comply with the SFP that is designated on the label. 

Zinc oxide clusters in emulsion products, if it is not properly stabilized, thus the product is unstable and UV protection is lower. This problem is minimized in the anhydrous stick. 

Who is the SPF 30 stick intended for?

It is intended for anybody including children, it easily fits into a pocket or a backpack, so there is no problem to take it on a walk, to have it on hand in summer or in winter in the mountains as protection against frost, wind, the sun or skin dehydration. Cyclists and other sportsmen appreciate its help and practicability.

It prevents formation of premature wrinkles due to the increased protection against UVA radiation. It protects also pigment spots and scars against hyperpigmentation caused by UV radiation. The stick is appropriate also for people with sensitive skin, for whom it was dermatologically tested.

What was the most difficult about its development?

It is not possible to say exactly what was the most difficult but the challenge for us was to develop a stick that would meet the required functions and be pleasant to the skin and easy to spread. 

Regarding a high content of zinc oxide, we strove for the least possible whitening effect, but we intentionally avoided a transparent form of oxide, i.e. nanoparticles, which is not ideal in terms of safety in the heat and frost.

It was also important to check how to produce the stick without any problems in the event of temperature fluctuations.

The formulation includes also lovely natural ingredients, such as daisy, seaweed or hyaluronic acid... What role do they play in skincare?

Besides zinc oxide, which is 100% natural mineral UV filter with a soothing effect, the formula contains also a rich cocktail of caring substances, i.e. nourishing shea butter, almond and jojoba oil, protective beeswax and valuable ceramides, which together with oils and squalene help restore the skin barrier and protect it from dehydration. 

A special type of hyaluronic acid ensures intense hydration. Oil daisy extract, soothing plant extract from pennywort and Laminaria ochroleuca seaweed, antioxidant vitamin E and other effective substances are included too. 

A significant advantage is that the stick contains no preservatives.

What temperature range is ideal for storing this product?

As a rule, the ideal storage temperature is 5 – 25 ^oC for most cosmetic products.

However, short-term temperature fluctuation in frosty or sunny does no harm to this stick.

How would you describe the stick in one sentence? What is its “personal character”?

A practical intense companion fitting into a pocket is for anyone, for every day, holiday, sport and on a walk, and lasts very long time due to the anhydrous formulation.