Cooling Sunscreen Technologies Heat Up as Temperatures Rise
Record-breaking heatwaves have been seen across the world this summer, driving demand for cooling sunscreens. The company is expanding its sun care range with technologies designed to overcome the limits of conventional cooling cosmetics. A novel non-menthol cooling ingredient, made from multiple botanical extracts, provides an immediate, long-lasting cooling sensation while helping minimize skin irritation.
Key takeaways
The company has developed non-menthol, botanical-based cooling technology designed to reduce irritation linked to conventional cooling agents.
Its water-drop sunscreen technology releases moisture through friction while keeping an even UV-protective film, lowering skin temperature by approximately 4°C.
Its seaweed-based Jelly Sun Stick combines high water content with a stable solid format and is claimed to lower skin temperature by approximately 6°C.
Cooling cosmetics
Traditional cooling cosmetics often use volatile ingredients that lower skin temperature through evaporation. Menthol-based ingredients work by stimulating the skin’s cold-sensing receptor, TRPM8, or transient receptor potential melastatin 8, to create a cooling sensation.
The new ingredient is said to provide soothing and elasticity-enhancing benefits and support the recovery of UV-damaged skin. It can be used across a wide range of skin care and sun care applications.
Using this technology, the company developed a “Cooling Sun Essence” designed to combat heat-induced aging and photoaging.
Another approach uses internal water particles rather than chemical cooling agents. Its “water-drop” technology breaks down when it contacts the skin, releasing moisture as microdroplets.
Conventional water-drop sunscreen formulas have faced stability problems. Ingredients can separate over time, and microscopic cracks can form in the UV-protective film, reducing sunscreen efficacy.
The new formulation uses a clay-based material made of thin, interlocking layers. The particles collapse and release moisture when friction is applied, helping the UV-protective film spread evenly across the skin. The formula lowers skin temperature by approximately 4°C and suppresses approximately 90% of later heat-induced temperature increases.
Sun care stick formats
The company has increased the water content of sun care sticks to maximize their cooling effect.
Its Jelly Sun Stick uses a naturally derived seaweed ingredient and has a water-based surface layer that refreshes and cools the skin on contact. Low oil content gives the formula a resilient, jelly-like elasticity while maintaining the structural stability needed for a solid stick.
Products using a water technology layer provide powerful UV protection and can lower skin temperature by approximately 6°C instantly after application.
The company says it will continue developing different functionalities and expanding the boundaries of the sun care category.
Demand for cooling skin care
A personal care ingredient supplier has seen growing demand for cooling skin care as global temperatures rise. The need for well-being and hydration is growing, with gels, mists, and masks providing intense hydration.
Skin care routines are evolving “to provide comfort and a feeling of freshness to the skin while preserving its radiance.”
Product layering can help address changing skin needs during the day. In the morning, thermal water and a hydrating serum can provide moisture and prepare the skin for environmental stressors. In the evening, a soothing, hydrating mask followed by a night balm or gel may support recovery after prolonged sun and heat exposure.
Sun care shifts
As temperatures rise and sun exposure may increase, the sun care industry is shifting from sunscreen being a beach day grab to becoming a daily essential.
The shift toward daily sun care use is partly driven by growing consumer awareness of the need for SPF protection. A US sun care report found that brands treating SPF like sunscreen are losing competitiveness against those treating it like skin care. The data-driven beauty platform behind the report recommends marketing SPF as a daily cosmetic rather than a seasonal one.
Earlier this year, a necklace that tracks personal sun exposure entered the wearable beauty market. The device tracks real-time UVA and UVB exposure and translates the data into personalized guidance.
