Symrise launches SPF-enhancing UV filter, balancing regulatory requirements and modern demand
28 Sep 2022 --- Symrise is launching the UV filter, Neo Heliopan EHT, to expand its sun protection portfolio under the Neo Heliopan umbrella brand. The company shares that a decrease in consumer acceptance of traditional UV filters combined with regulatory requirements has prompted Symrise to balance its market strategy.
The company states that Neo Heliopan EHT absorbs UVB rays and is suited for various sun care applications. The “high-performance” ingredient works especially well in sunscreen products and water-resistant products with a sun protection factor.
Symrise is aiming to modernize its UV filter portfolio and meet its consumers’ demands for effective and safe sun protection products.
Applicability and suitability
Neo Heliopan EHT is said to increase the sun protection factor for every type of cosmetic products – from day creams to beach care applications, says Marek Busch, junior product manager at Symrise.
“With Neo Heliopan EHT, we are launching an organic UV filter that addresses changed user demands.” 
Neo Heliopan EHT absorbs UVB and is suited for various sun care applications.
Additionally, Neo Heliopan EHT has good solubility in polar oils which allows formulators to incorporate the ingredient into the oil phase of sun protection formulations, suggests the company.
Symrise highlights that the ingredient also works in waterless systems, in combination with other organic UV filters and with mineral UV filters like zinc oxide.
Moreover, Neo Heliopan EHT is suitable for all skin types and tones including sensitive skin. The ingredient can go into products for daily care and children.
In May, Symrise unveiled its cosmetic brand Neo Heliopan, a mineral UV filter range developed under its care segment with strategic partner Kobo, who specializes in mineral UV filters. It also launched zinc oxide-based broad-spectrum UV protection filters, Neo Heliopan ZnO 40 and Neo Heliopan ZnO 300, which provide reduced whitening and an “excellent” sensorial skin feel.
EU context for sun protection
In July, the European Commission published an amended regulation regarding the limit to the use of the UV filters Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene in cosmetic products due to endocrine-disrupting properties flagged by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
“The new maximum limits and restrictions recommended by the SCCS in its latest opinions on Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene allow for their safe use in cosmetic products,” a Commission official previously told PersonalCareInsights.
Last month, Royal DSM expressed the European regulatory pressures faced by the industry regarding the safety of using UV filters on human health and the environment. This included the use of UV filters in cosmetics which are evaluated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
Edited by Venya Patel
