Q. I’m having problems solubilizing avobenzone (EU) & oxybenzone (EU) into the oil phase of my emulsion. Do you have any recommendations?
A. Generally this becomes a problem when you’re formulating high SPF products. Liquid sunscreens like homosalate (EU) (avobenzone-19% soluble) and octyl salicylate (EU) (avobenzone-21% soluble) are poor UVB sunscreens but are good solvents for avobenzone and oxybenzone. Octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate) (EU) can dissolve up to 26% avobenzone. Also, the presence of multivalent metals can chelate avobenzone and reduce the solubility (zinc and aluminum). A simple way to quickly screen formulations is to make only the oil phase of the formulation and test the samples at low temperatures for crystallization.
Several non-sunscreen emollients to try are:
Isopropyl Lauryl Sarcosinate
Eldew SL 205 (EU) – Ajinomoto (EU)
Phenyl Ethyl Benzoate
Extend 226 – Ashland (EU)
Phenoxycaprylate
Tegosoft XC (EU) – Evonik (EU)
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Finsolv TPP (EU) – Innospec Performance Chemicals (EU)
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George,
We have found that Isosorbide dicaprylate (Synovea DOI) is an excellent solvent for Avobenzone and Benzophenone 3. Solubility of Avobenzone and Benzophenone 3 in Synovea DOI is ~25%. You can also use mixed solvents, like C12-15 Alkyl benzoate & Synovea DOI (7:3) to get ~25% solubilization of Avobenzone. You can solubilize only ~20% in C12-15 Alkyl benzoate. It seems that mixed solvents provide synergism.
Synovea DOI has additional benefits – Long-lasting & controlled skin hydration with the improvement of barrier function with excellent skin feel (like silicones). I will send you the presentation separately.
Hi George,
We’ve also been able to microencapsulate the avobenzone and OMC if there are any particularly tricky formulations or if you are looking to provide additional shelf life to the products as well.
Kind Regards,
Mandy
Hello George
How do you evaluate Avobenzone low temperature oil test?
I heated all the oils to dissolve Avobenzone and then frozen at -15C for 24 hours.
After taking out and leaving it at room temperature, there is powder precipitation, is it not suitable for powder precipitation?
looking forward to your reply
Thank you very much