Sunscreen and its many inventors

Searching for the origins of something can sometimes present a challenge. A case in point: when we wanted to find out who invented sunscreen, we ended up with light bulbs. They have more in common than light alone.

About claims

When a new cosmetic product is launched on the market, it is time to switch on the advertising megaphone – loudly. The product can do this, that and the other. Before that can happen, however, researchers and developers need to back up the advertising claims with validated tests and results . Customers and end users have to be able to rely on the statements made about the products. 

The building blocks of an effective sunscreen

We've already provided information about ingredients, classifications and INCIs here on our sun page. But what are the actual functions of these ingredients? What do the individual building blocks of a sunscreen do?

How do they test a sunscreen's protection factor?

Not only is the information about a sunscreen product important, but consumers rely on it being correct. Before any sun protection factor figures or information about the UVA protection level can be printed on packaging, the products have to undergo test procedures to validate these values.

What exactly are SPF, LPF and so on?

When buying sunscreen, the majority of consumers pay most attention to the sun protection factor. This value is tested directly on humans via what is known as an in vivo process. However: A high sun protection factor alone does not mean a sunscreen is good.

UV protection for animals

Animals aren't newcomers to the topic of sun protection. In general, it can be said that animals are very good at handling the heat emitted by that burning celestial body.

Sun protection at work

When on vacation, at the beach or in the mountains, it's virtually impossible to avoid thinking about sunscreen and protection from the sun. But how about protecting yourself when spending a long time in the sun at work? There's really no reason why you shouldn't do it. And this is why sun protection is now a key part of occupational safety.

ISO. Standard. Worldwide.

If you buy a sun cream with a sun protection factor of 50, then you need to be certain that SPF 50 is actually provided. To ensure that this is the case worldwide, there is an ISO standard: ISO 24444.

Safety is a top priority

Are sunscreen products using nanofilters safe for consumers? Why are there so many preconceptions against it? Can you make sunscreens that are environmentally friendly? Opinions on this widely differ in terms of reporting and also public opinion. We want to bring light into the darkness and have exchanged ideas with our solar experts in Grenzach. Dr. Myriam Sohn took some time for a short Q&A for us.

INCI - A small translation aid

To make one thing clear first: Even if you don't know the list of ingredients on a face cream, shampoo or sun lotion, you can be sure that the products are safe and safe to use.

Patents - all-round protection

Research and development plays an important role in the Sun Care division at BASF. We wanted to know from our colleagues in Grenzach how important patents are for them, what types of approvals exist and what customers can expect from BASF. 

Create, calculate, predict - sun protection must be suitable

Laboratory conditions usually have little to do with life outside. Is this true? Not quite. With the BASF Personal Care Sunscreen Simulator, formulators and manufacturers of sun protection products can work with results that are increasingly closer to real life.

EcoSun Pass - nature and humans in harmony

Sunscreens must protect skin and not harm nature. But how can the consumer know that the new cream is also environmentally friendly? The BASF EcoSun Pass takes you closer to the answer.

Absorption is the key factor in UV protection

The topic of sun protection is shrouded in countless myths and misinformation – even today. This is especially the case for filter labelling and how the products work.

Customers use EcoSun Pass for marketing

The EcoSun Pass has won over initial customers who are displaying the label on their products.

What is a sunscreen cosmetic product made of?

You can read a lot about raw materials and ingredients used in different cosmetic products. We are going take a glance inside the formulas.

INCI – A Brief Explanation

Some consumers only buy according to INCI specifications, while others don’t even know what it is.

A relationship to the conservation of species

There is another theme in wildlife that is much more exciting than protection from UV radiation, even if the latter plays the main role.

Sun protection — 365 days a year

A tube or bottle of sunscreen is always within reach for most people. At least when we are on vacation. But sun protection is everyday business — 365 days a year. 

It depends on the feeling

Some people don’t like sunscreen very much. They don’t like the feeling of putting on sunscreen: too sticky, too thick, too greasy. However, modern formulations are very effective and feel extremely pleasant.

Best tips to protect yourself

Modern sunscreens are very effective in protecting against sunburn and other damages caused by UV rays. Proper application plus following some easy guidelines puts you on the safe side.

Nanotechnology — a key to innovation

Nanotechnology is under dispute. Many consumers feel uncertain about using products containing nano filters. For the sake of sun protection they are very powerful though.

UV filter types

UV filters have to do a difficult job. They are expected to provide reliable protection against the different UV rays. Sunscreens and care products have to feel extremely pleasant too. Excellent scientific know-how is necessary to meet all demands.

UV filter: Hi-tech products

Before the first sunscreen came on the market in 1933, people could either avoid the sun or wear appropriate clothing to protect their skin from harmful radiation. Since then, knowledge about the danger of UV radiation has grown enormously.

Too much of a good thing

"Did you pack the sunscreen?" Everyone has asked or heard this question right before leaving for their long-awaited vacation. When it's the nicest time of year, most people remember that sun protection is important. In everyday life they don’t.