Case Study: Organoclay in Mineral Sunscreen

The Challenge

A personal care manufacturer was developing an SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen using coated ZnO (25%) and TiO₂ (8%) as UV filters. The dense mineral particles settled rapidly during the 24-month shelf life requirement. Standard carbomer thickeners provided insufficient yield stress for mineral suspension without becoming too thick for easy application.

Solution: CP-EW at 1.2%

CP-EW was pre-dispersed in the water phase (1.2% on formula) using a rotor-stator mixer before emulsification. The organoclay provided a low-shear gel network that complemented the carbomer thickener — providing mineral suspension without adding visible thickness at application shear rates.

Results

• ZnO/TiO₂ settling: <1 mm sediment after 12 months accelerated aging (40°C)
• Spreadability improved — lower application viscosity at skin shear rate
• No white cast increase — CP-EW is colorless and non-opacifying at 1.2%
• SPF value maintained: 52 (target: ≥50)
• Stable across pH 5.5–7.0 range

Related: Organoclay for Cosmetics · Water-Based Organoclay