Solésence’s multifunctional transparent mineral skincare scores Korean Patent

22 Jun 2022 --- Nanophase Technologies, the parent company of Solésence, has received a patent in Korea for Kleair, a new generation of high-transparency zinc oxide mineral sunscreen with “enhanced” ultra-violet (UV) blocking properties.

“Ultimately through Kleair, we believe we can increase the frequency and consistency of use for these products, which will help change the paradigm for beauty products in terms of the combined experience that consumers have – no longer needing to choose between having safe and effective products or products that are a pleasure to use,” Kevin Cureton, chief operating officer, at Solésence, tells PersonalCareInsights.

“Our biggest win is extremely high transparency, which should further improve and expand consumer enthusiasm over mineral-based sunscreens. With this innovation, we are one step closer to skin health for all,” says Dr. Harry Sarkas, chief scientific officer.

“Zinc oxide is the only globally approved, broad-spectrum sunscreen active – and Kleair reinvents zinc oxide, optimizing it to improve its efficacy and aesthetics while retaining the purity to meet global requirements.” 

“The implications of this from a global health perspective are enormous, because we can achieve best-in-class UV performance and unparalleled suppression of free radical expression,” he continues. 

The company says that its zinc oxide also provides pollution and blue light protection and has enhanced anti-oxidant power. Additionally, it observes that clean beauty has raised the demand for clean sun care – meaning a probable increase in demand for mineral-based products. 

Multi-functional care
The patent is titled “Zinc Oxide Particles, Photostable UV Filters and Methods of Use Thereof.” The company says that its zinc oxide also provides pollution and blue light protection and has enhanced anti-oxidant power. Credit Solésence. 

The recognition claims Kleair as a new material for protecting the skin from UV light, preventing or reducing lines and wrinkles, preventing loss of elasticity, preventing skin thinning and protecting antioxidants in the skin. 

“Kleair will help to drive the continued growth of mineral-based, safe and effective skincare and make-up products in a couple of important ways. Because of the aesthetic improvements we have made to zinc oxide through Kleair, we are able to offer complexion products that are best-in-class in both efficacy and aesthetics for people of all skin tones – expanding the consumer base for these products,” comments Cureton.

The patent also covers the use of Kleair in various products, for instance, foam, cream, lotion, spray, gel, stick and powder. 

“Using broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round is the best preventative measure we can take in caring for our skin. The regular use of UV protection, including products containing our Kleair technology, helps reduce the risk of skin cancers, skin precancers and to prevent premature skin aging. It also helps protect ingredients in the formula to enhance their effectiveness in improving overall skin health and appearance,” continues Cureton.

Science-backed tech
Kevin Cureton, chief operating officer, says its Original Active Stress Defense served as the foundation for the creation of transparent mineral skin care products that provided UV protection. 

The UV protection also quenches damaging, pollution-induced free radicals.

 “Our focus is to enhance lives through healthy skin – is inherent in our technology development and innovation efforts and ultimately led to the creation of Kleair,” he continues. 

“With Kleair technology and others that we will soon announce, we are poised to for the next chapter into inclusive skincare and makeup products with our brand and retail partners.”

“Using broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round is the best preventative measure we can take in caring for our skin. The regular use of UV protection, including products containing our Kleair technology, helps reduce the risk of skin cancers, skin precancers and to prevent premature skin aging. It also helps protect ingredients in the formula to enhance their effectiveness in improving overall skin health and appearance,” continues Cureton.

SPF waveZinc oxide benefits skin health across all skin tones. Credit Solésence.  
With summer on its way, L’Oréal unveiled its “biggest sun care innovation in 30 years” last month. The ingredient UVMune 400 prevents severe sun-induced skin damage. It is also available in the La Roche-Posay Anthelios brand.

The SPF wave has gained momentum this year through celebrity endorsement, such as the Supergoop! campaign to raise skin protection awareness. Investors included actor Hugh Jackman, fashion designer Jenna Lyons and professional golfer Michelle Wie.

Unprotected sun exposure has been flagged as one of the factors causing dark circles under the eye, a dermatologists recently explained.

In other suncare-related business moves, Eucerin expanded to US sun care markets with its dermatologically developed Eucerin Sun care line featuring five antioxidants to combat aging.

Mineral-based sunscreens have been coming into the spotlight, as researchers have flagged that the popular sunscreen chemical oxybenzone is not coral-friendly. It can be converted into a potentially deadly phototoxin inside anemone and coral cells when exposed to sunlight, resulting in increased damage and maybe death.

In March, Holland & Barrett was noted as the first large retailer in the UK to ban the sale of all suncare products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate from its stores and website due to their harmful effects on aquatic life.

Symrise unveiled its cosmetic brand Neo Heliopan, a mineral UV filter range developed under its care segment and its strategic partner Kobo, a company specializing in mineral UV filters. The mineral ingredients are also noted to have little to no white cast. 

By Venya Patel