Navigating Sun Care Formulation in a Growth Market
The sun care market in Asia-Pacific is experiencing significant momentum. With a forecast CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2030, sun care is set to outpace the broader beauty and personal care market of Asia-Pacific, which is projected to grow at 5.0% during the same period [1].
As the category matures, so do consumer expectations. Today's buyers demand multifunctional formulations delivering hydration, brightening, and anti-ageing support alongside UV defence. Consumers increasingly prefer premium and technologically advanced formulations and expect sunscreens to be both effective for skin protection and responsible for the planet. In this competitive landscape, texture will define differentiation, and sensoriality is becoming the new measure of efficacy.
What Must Modern Sun Care Formulation Deliver?
For a sun care formulation to meet today's expectations, it must reconcile multiple requirements:
- Effective humectancy to maintain skin hydration and barrier function during prolonged sun exposure.
- Sensory characteristics that align with consumers’ expectation of lightweight and non-greasy textures that absorb quickly and layer well with cosmetics.
- Robust preservative systems, particularly in water-rich formulations exposed to heat and UV stress.
- Ingredient compatibility to ensure stable emulsions and uniform SPF distribution.
- Transparent sourcing credentials
Zemea® Propanediol: A Plant-Based Platform for Multifunctional Sun Care Formulation
Humectancy and Skin Barrier Support
Zemea® propanediol supports the skin's natural moisture balance, leaving skin soft and supple without occlusion.
Skin Moisturisation Effects of Zemea® Propanediol vs. Standard Humectants
Humectants are at a 5% dose at an O/W emulsion. Skin moisturisation measured by Corneometer® CM 825 (Courage & Khazaka)
Source: 2022. CovationBio™ PDO Reference guide
Sensory Optimisation
Zemea® propanediol contributes to sensory profile. Formulations exhibit a light, non-greasy skin feel with smooth application and rapid absorption. The result is a sensorial experience aligned with consumer expectations for daily-use sun care.
Preservative Efficacy Enhancement
Zemea® propanediol can boost the efficacy of preservatives, potentially reducing the total preservative load required in formulations. In sun care formulations, which are often exposed to heat and humidity,this preservative-boosting effect supports microbial stability without compromising skin compatibility.
Solubility and Formulation Flexibility
Zemea® propanediol functions effectively as a solvent for active ingredients, UV filters, and fragrance compounds. This solubilising capacity simplifies formulation development, particularly in complex systems combining UV filters with skincare actives. Its compatibility across pH ranges and emulsion types supports formulation flexibility, from lightweight lotions to gel-cream hybrids.
Naturally Derived and Microbiome Friendly
Zemea® propanediol is considered naturally derived under ISO 16128 definitions, with a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 1. Additionally, it is certified as microbiome-friendly [2], aligning with consumer demand for formulations that respect skin ecology. High purity and lack of skin irritation or sensitisation further support its suitability in leave-on sun care products.
Application Scope: From Daily SPF to Outdoor Performance
Zemea® propanediol is suitable across the full spectrum of beauty and personal care, particularly sun care applications. In daily-use facial sunscreens, it enhances humectancy and sensory appeal, supporting layering with serums and cosmetics. In body sun care, it contributes to lightweight textures and improved spreadability. In outdoor and sport formulations, its preservative-boosting properties support microbial stability under challenging conditions.
Beyond traditional sun care, Zemea® propanediol finds relevance in hybrid formats such as tinted sunscreens, SPF-containing BB creams, and after-sun products, where both performance and sensory experience are critical to consumer acceptance.
How IMCD Supports Zemea® Integration in Sun Care Formulation
IMCD's role extends beyond ingredient supply. Our technical experts provide formulation support to help brands translate Zemea® propanediol's functional attributes into commercially viable sun care products.
By combining technical expertise with strategic sourcing, IMCD supports brands in navigating the complexities of sun care formulation—from initial concepts through scale-up and commercialisation.
Request formulation support to explore how Zemea® propanediol can enhance your sun care portfolio.
Reference
- Euromonitor (extracted July 2026)
- Microbiome-Friendly certification per MyMicrobiome standards