SunCat MTA: A New-Generation Sunscreen Filter That Works Safely and Effectively

The SunCat series was first introduced to the international market in 2005. Since its launch, it has received recognition and appreciation from cosmetics manufacturers and formulators worldwide for its ease of use, safety and high performance. The next-generation sunscreen filter SunCat MTA, launched to market in 2016, meets the demands of cosmetics manufacturers, new safety considerations and updated cosmetics regulations.

SunCat MTA is a special encapsulation technology that stabilizes and disperses three of the most commonly used sunscreen filters in the global market – by their chemical names: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene and Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.

As a result of this encapsulation technique, sunscreen filters maintain their high performance over long periods while enabling reliable and consistent measurement of the product's SPF value. The liquid-form product is extremely easy to use in dispersed form in water. One of its most important properties is that it does not irritate the skin because it is not absorbed by the skin. With low application rates, it provides protection against a broad range of UV-B and UV-A light, while remaining on the skin for extended periods allows for repeatable SPF measurement. The sunscreen filters are micronized through an innovative process and encapsulated within bilayered spherules. The outermost layer of the spherules carries a negative charge, which prevents the molecules inside the spherules from aggregating.

Figure 1. For even protection against solar radiation, sunscreen filters need to be distributed uniformly across the skin.

  As illustrated in the schematic above, maximum sun protection is achieved when sunscreen filter molecules form as even and continuous a layer as possible on the skin. Achieving uniform layer distribution with conventional sunscreen filters is difficult.

With the use of the SunCat series, achieving a uniform (continuous) layer on the skin and maximum sun protection is easy.

  As summarized in the table, SunCat MTA was added to a cream base, gel base and cream base with TiO2 at concentrations of 0%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 17% and 20%, with measured SPF values and UVA protection values noted. This table enables formulators to achieve their target sun protection factor in the most effective and rapid manner. Regarding SunCat MTA's photostability, in cream base, gel base and cream base with TiO2, samples were exposed continuously to sunlight for 2, 4 and 6 hours, with SPF values measured in vitro, and there was no statistically significant difference between them. SunCat MTA was added at 5% and 17% in cream base, 8% and 10% in gel base, and 3% and 5% in cream base with TiO2, and in vivo SPF measurements of these formulations were performed by AMA Labs, New York on 3 volunteers. The in vivo SPF values correlate with the in vitro SPF values measured simultaneously. Suncat MTA (INCI: Water, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octocrylene, 1,3-butylene glycol, lecithin, and phenoxyethanol) in dispersed form is suitable for both cold and hot processing. After the emulsification phase, it can be easily added to the product; unlike conventional sunscreen filters, no pre-emulsification process is required. With SunCat MTA, maximum sun protection can be achieved with less sunscreen filter usage. A gel formulation containing 10% SunCat MTA underwent RIP (Repeat Insult Patch) testing by AMA Labs, New York on 52 panelists, with no reactions observed during the test period. Due to the encapsulated form of SunCat MTA, sunscreen filters are not absorbed by the skin. Thus, these molecules do not pose a threat for sensitive skin. The skin continues to breathe. It is suitable for use in skin care products such as lotion, cream, foundation, sunscreen, spray, wet wipes and in hair care products.   Burçak Alioğlu Technical Sales Manager Technical Sales Manager Arkem Kimya