SUNSCREEN THAT PROMOTES OCEAN HEALTH

Abstract

A sunscreen is disclosed that promotes ocean health, especially for coral reefs. The sunscreen includes an active sunscreen component, a delivery component, and one or more alkalinity enhancing components. The sunscreen component filters or blocks some amount of harmful solar radiation from affecting the wearer's skin and is preferably reef-safe and free from ingredients that pose health risks to wearers. The alkalinity enhancing components counteracts ocean acidification, or raises the pH, of the local environment, e.g., in the vicinity of reefs. The delivery components facilitate application of the active sunscreen component to the wearer's skin such that the active sunscreen component is distributed across a protected area of the wearer's skin in an effective coverage amount. The sunscreen assists in coral reef recovery, as well as improving other ocean environments, and thereby promotes ocean health.

Claims

1. A sunscreen product, comprising: an active sunscreen component for protecting a wearer's skin from ultraviolet radiation; a delivery component for facilitating application of the active sunscreen component to the wearer's skin such that the active sunscreen component is distributed across a protected area of the wearer's skin in an effective coverage amount; and one or more alkalinity enhancing components to improve the resistance of ambient water to acidification, said alkalinity components comprising at least 5% by weight of said sunscreen product.

2. The sunscreen product of claim 1, wherein said active sunscreen component comprises a mineral sunscreen agent.

3. The sunscreen product of claim 2, wherein said active sunscreen component comprises one or both of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

4. The sunscreen product of claim 3, wherein said active sunscreen component is provided in a concentration of between 5-30% by weight of said sunscreen product.

5. The sunscreen product of claim 1, wherein said delivery component renders said sunscreen product in the form of one of a spray, a lotion, a gel, and a foam.

6. The sunscreen product of claim 1, wherein said delivery component comprises between 25-50% by weight of said sunscreen product.

7. The sunscreen product of claim 1, wherein said alkalinity enhancing component comprises between 5 to 30% by weight of said sunscreen product.

8. The sunscreen product of claim 1, wherein said alkalinity enhancing component comprises at least one of magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate.

9. The sunscreen product of claim 1, wherein said alkalinity enhancing component comprises between about 2 to 6% by weight magnesium carbonate and between about 2 to 20% by weight calcium carbonate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a process for making sunscreen products in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to sunscreens that promote ocean health. In the following description, the invention as set forth in the context of specific formulations for specific sunscreen products, e.g., sticks, creams, and lotions. However, it will be appreciated that a variety of sunscreen products can be produced in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, the specific formulations may be varied for a variety of reasons including: to provide different SPF ratings; to provide different appearances, fragrances, and skin feel; to comply with laws or regulations; and to optimize ocean health and user health in view of evolving conditions and understanding. Accordingly, the following description should be understood as exemplary and not by way of limitation.

[0015] The sunscreen products of the present invention may generally be understood as including four categories of ingredients; a sunscreen component; and alkalinity enhancing component; a delivery component; and additives. Each of these is described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that some ingredients may fall into more than one category, e.g., an ingredient used for a delivery component or as an additive to achieve a more desirable product may also provide some sunscreen or alkalinity enhancing property. Accordingly, the following categories are provided to facilitate description of exemplary products and not to imply limitations.

1. Sunscreen Components

[0016] A primary purpose of the sunscreen component is to filter or block some amount of harmful solar radiation from affecting the wearer's skin. This may involve absorbing and/or reflecting UV radiation. Preferably, the sunscreen component includes one or more ingredients that collectively function as a broadband sunscreen to filter or block at least UV-A and UV-B radiation. The sunscreen products may include products with different radiation blocking effectiveness or SPF ratings, for example, SPF ratings of SPF 30 and SPF 50.

[0017] Another important property of the sunscreen component of the present invention is to promote the health of ocean environments as well as the health of the wearer. In this regard, the sunscreen component is preferably reef-safe and preferably free from ingredients that pose health risks to wearers.

[0018] Preferred sunscreens in this regard include one or more mineral sunscreen agents such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. The agents typically act as a physical sunscreen rather than a chemical sunscreen. The zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide are preferably provided in a non-nano form to avoid accumulation in reefs.

2. Alkalinity and/or pH Enhancing Components

[0019] A primary purpose of the alkalinity enhancing components is to counteract ocean acidification, or raise the pH, of the local environment, e.g., in the vicinity of reefs. In this regard, it is noted that sunscreen components do not stay on the wearer's skin but, rather, become dissolved or suspended in the surrounding environment, for example, ocean environments near reefs. Indeed, this accounts for the injury to reefs from sunscreens as has been observed by researchers. In this regard, it is not necessary for the sunscreen components to be dissolved or suspended in amounts sufficient to alter the chemistry of substantial ocean volumes. Rather, such components, even in small amounts, can affect sensitive micro-environments in the vicinity of reefs or other vulnerable ocean areas. In particular, high-traffic areas such as reefs can be affected by sunscreens.

[0020] Accordingly, the inventive sunscreens include an alkalinity enhancing component that improves the resistance of the nearby ambient water to acidification or raises the pH of nearby ambient water. Any ingredient that tends to raise the pH of the nearby ambient water can be used in this regard. Examples include certain mineral salts, chalks, amino acids or limes. In addition, silicates or minerals containing magnesium or calcium may be included as an alkalinity enhancing component. For example, olivine may be added to the sunscreen as it contains magnesium and quickly breaks down to release the magnesium. Other examples include various sources of carbonate ions, for example, magnesium carbonate and/or calcium carbonate. Preferably, the alkalinity enhancing components are provided in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the sunscreen product and, more preferably, between about 10 to 30% by weight, for example, about 20%.

3. Delivery Components

[0021] A primary purpose of the delivery components is to facilitate application of the active sunscreen component to the wearer's skin such that the active sunscreen component is distributed across a protected area of the wearer's skin in an effective coverage amount. In addition, the delivery components may enable the release of the alkalinity enhancing components to the surrounding environment. Moreover, the delivery components may be selected to avoid ingredients that may penetrate into the wearer's bloodstream and have deleterious effects on health. The nature of the delivery components depends, in part, on the type of sunscreen product, for example, a lotion, spray, gel, foam, stick, or other product. In the specific formulations described below, the delivery components are selected to yield a cream, a lotion, and a stick.

4. Additives

[0022] The sunscreen product may also include a number of additives to provide a more desirable commercial product. For example, the sunscreen product may include ingredients for improved texture, skin feel, fragrance, color, or the like as well as stabilizing agents or other ingredients to improve shelf life or provide a more practical commercial product.

5. Examples

[0023] a. SPF 30 Anhydrous Stick

[0024] The following is an example of the sunscreen product in accordance with the present invention that may be provided as an anhydrous stick. Such a stick may be rubbed on the wearer's skin to apply the sunscreen product as a film that can be absorbed into the wearer's skin. Ranges are provided for each ingredient. The ranges provided are determined by weight and reflect a range of compositions that are believed to provide a suitable product in accordance with the present invention. In some cases, ranges of complementary items are, to some extent, dependent on one another. For example, the calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate should collectively comprise at least 5% by weight of the product and may comprise, for example, about 20% of the product. Preferably, the products include between about 2-6% magnesium carbonate and between about 2-20% of calcium carbonate by weight. Moreover, the ranges below, in some cases, contemplate an SPF 30 product and the active sunscreen component may be varied for other SPF ratings. [0025] Zinc Oxide; 5-30%, for example, about 20% for SPF 30 product [0026] Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil; 10-30% [0027] Caprilic/Capric Triglyceride; 10-25% [0028] Polyhydroxystearic Acid; 5-20% [0029] Theobroma cacoa (Cocoa) Butter; 5-10% [0030] Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax; 5-15% [0031] Calcium Carbonate; 1-10% [0032] Magnesium Carbonate; 1-10% [0033] Diisostearyl Polyglyceryl—3 Dimer Dilinoleate; 0.5-5% [0034] Tocopherol; 0.1-1% [0035] Bisabolol; 0.1-1% [0036] Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Root Extract; 0.1-1%

[0037] The ingredients are combined in the desired proportions and heated, for example, to about 80-85 degrees Celsius while gently stirring or mixing. The mixture can then be poured into the product container and allowed to cool to form the desired stick consistency.

b. Water in Oil Lotion SPF 30

[0038] The following formulation can be used to provide a sunscreen product in the form of a lotion that can be applied to the wearer's skin. Again, ranges are provided by weight and, in some cases, the ranges for complementary components are interdependent. [0039] Zinc Oxide; 5-30%, for example, about 20% for SPF 30 [0040] Water; 20-50% [0041] Caprilic/Capric Triglyceride; 10-20% [0042] Ethyl Palmate; 5-10% [0043] Calcium Carbonate; 1-5% [0044] Magnesium Carbonate; 1-5% [0045] Pyrus malus (Apple) Fruit Extract; 1-5% [0046] Glycerin; 1-5% [0047] Magnesium Sulfate; 1-5% [0048] Helianthus annuus (Floor) Seed Wax; 0.5-3% [0049] Shorea Robusta Resin; 0.1-2% [0050] Xanthan Gum; 0.1-1% [0051] Sodium Benzoate; 0.1-1% [0052] Citric Acid; 0.1-1% [0053] Bisbolol; 0.1-1% [0054] Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Root Extract; 0.1-1% [0055] Tocopherol; 0.1-1% [0056] Tocopherol; 0.1-1% [0057] Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate; 1-5% [0058] Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate; 1-5% [0059] Diisostearyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate; 1-5%

[0060] The ingredients are combined and stirred or blended until well-mixed. The mixture may be heated to facilitate mixing but does not necessarily need to be heated as much as in the case of the Anhydrous stick. The mixture can then be poured into product containers, allowed to cool, and sealed/packaged for shipping.

c. Oil in Water Cream SPF 30

[0061] The following formulation can be used to produce an oil in water cream. Ranges are provided by weight and, as noted above, the ranges for certain ingredients may be interdependent. [0062] Zinc Oxide; 5-30%, for example, about 20% for SPF 30 [0063] Water; 30-60% [0064] Mangifera indica (Mango) Seed Butter; 1-10% [0065] Ethyl Palmate; 1-10% [0066] Caprilic/Capric Triglyceride; 1-10% [0067] Calcium Carbonate; 1-5% [0068] Magnesium Carbonate; 1-5% [0069] Lactobacillus Ferment; 1-5% [0070] Pyrus malus (Apple) Fruit Extract; 1-5% [0071] Glycerin; 1-5% [0072] Diisostearyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilineolate; 0.5-2% [0073] Magnesium Aluminum Silicate; 0.1-1% [0074] Xanthan Gum; 0.1-1% [0075] Tocolpherol; 0.1-1% [0076] Bisabolol; 0.1-1% [0077] Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Extract; 0.1-1% [0078] Lactic Acid; 0.1-1% [0079] Arachidyl Alcohol; 1-5% [0080] Behenyl Alcohol; 1-5% [0081] Arachidyl Glucoside; 1-5%

[0082] The ingredients are combined and stirred or blended until well mixed. Again, the mixture may be heated to promote mixing but does not necessarily need to be heated to the same extent as the anhydrous stick. The mixture is then poured into a product container, allowed to cool, sealed, and packaged for shipping.

[0083] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process 100 for producing a sunscreen product in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated process 100 is initiated by determining (102) an SPF for the product. For example, products may be provided with an SPF of SPF 30 or SPF 50. It will be appreciated that the SPF rating will be used in determining the amount of active sunscreen component that is added to the product.

[0084] The illustrated process 100 further involves determining (104) the product type. As noted above, in accordance with the present invention, sunscreens may be provided in various product types such as lotions, sprays, gels, foams, and sticks among others. As described above, different formulations can be provided for different product types. Moreover, the production process may differ for different product types. For example, to produce a stick-type product, the ingredients may require more heating to get the ingredients to blend and then may require more cooling for the product to set-up.

[0085] Based on the desired SPF rating and the product type, an appropriate formula may be determined (106) for the product. The ingredients may then be added (108) together in a mixing vessel such as a vat, heated, and stirred or blended until the ingredients are well-mixed. As noted above, the ingredients may include a reef-safe active sunscreen component, and alkalinity enhancing component, delivery components, and additives. The ingredients may then be poured (110) into a product container and cooled. The nature of the product container may vary depending on the type of product. For example, a stick product may be poured into an elongate stick housing. For a cream type product, the mixture may be poured into a squeeze tube. For lotions, the mixture may be poured into a bottle or spray bottle. Finally, the product may be packaged (112) for shipping. Preferably, the product container and packaging are formed from recycled materials to the extent possible. For example, recycled plastic materials harvested at least in part from ocean waste would further promote the objectives of the invention relating to enhancing ocean health.

[0086] The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.