The HallStar Company, a Chicago-based specialty chemistry company, has introduced a groundbreaking new ingredient that can improve the performance of sun protection products.

HallStar's SolaStay S1 is a new, more powerful photostabilizer that, when added to sunscreen formulations, can help formulators achieve previously unobtainable levels of protection against both the burning and aging rays of the sun.

Since the 1950s, sunscreen use has been an increasingly popular way to enjoy the outdoors without suffering the acute and painful effects of excessive sun exposure, caused primarily by solar UVB radiation with wavelengths from 290 to 320 nm. Over the past 30 years, evidence has
mounted that chronic exposure to longer-wavelength UVA radiation, from 320 to 400 nm, contributes to premature skin aging and serious medical issues.

Sunscreen manufacturers have responded to this new knowledge by including UV filters in their sun protection products to provide broad-spectrum sun protection against both UVB and UVA radiation. The most widely used UVA filter is a chemical compound known as Avobenzone
(Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane).

When exposed to energy from UV radiation, UV filters like Avobenzone break down and lose their effectiveness. To prevent this, formulators add photostabilizers like Octocrylene to their products to slow down the degradation. SolaStay S1 uses a different, better process to prevent or slow UV filter degradation, dramatically outperforming Octocrylene and other photostabilizers. The result is maximized UVA protection and increased SPF.

"HallStar SolaStay S1 is simply the most powerful sunscreen photostabilizer available today," said Craig Bonda, Director of Research & Development for Personal Care Ingredients at HallStar. "Now personal care producers can formulate products that not only prevent sunburn, but protect against the aging effects of sun exposure at the same time."

SolaStay S1 is suitable for lotions, creams, sprays, sticks, and gels. This is a powerful new tool for formulators who want UVA and UVB protection in their sunscreens and daily wear products.

"As photostability experts, HallStar offers a range of technologies that formulators need to deliver photostable, broad-spectrum sun protection that meets or exceeds the highest international standards," said John Paro, HallStar President and CEO.