Inolex says LexFeel Enhance MB is designed for bemotrizinol and other organic UV filters, with the aim to help formulating "stable, elegant, high-SPF" sunscreen products. The new ingredient’s polymer network is designed to create more thermodynamically stable UV filter systems while enhancing formulation aesthetics. In-vivo testing cited by Inolex showed a 25-30% SPF increase with LexFeel Enhance MB, enabling SPF 50 performance in the evaluated systems.
"Inolex is excited to offer a new ingredient that enhances the SPF and delivers a sensory experience that encourages consumers to apply and reapply," says Art Knox, President, Inolex.
Enhanced sensory performance and stability
Beyond UV protection, the company highlights the role of sensory characteristics in sunscreen acceptance. "Aesthetics, not protection, remain consumers’ biggest complaint about sunscreen. Too many formulas feel heavy, greasy, or sticky," details Inolex.
It is precisely their sensory qualities that have driven the growing global popularity of Korean and Japanese sun care products.
LexFeel Enhance MB is positioned as an alternative to traditional solubilizers, providing benefits such as easier spreadability for more even coverage, gloss and shine without an oily feel, and a moisturized, cushiony after-feel.
Inolex also reports that the ingredient can improve the stability of bemotrizinol more efficiently than benchmark emollients. According to company data, 5% LexFeel Enhance MB solubilizes and stabilizes 6% bemotrizinol for up to 12 weeks at 4°C in sunscreen formulations. By comparison, formulations containing 5% C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, or Dicaprylyl Carbonate reportedly remained stable for less than four weeks under the same conditions. The company notes that approximately twice the amount of these benchmark emollients is often required to achieve comparable stability, which may affect the sensory profile of the finished formulation.
Global opportunities
While bemotrizinol has been used for several years in sunscreens across Europe, Asia, and Australia, Inolex claims its recent approval in the U.S. not only creates new formulation opportunities in that market but also globally. According to the company LexFeel Enhance MB as a solution for formulators globally seeking improved stability and aesthetics in sunscreen formulations.
The launch also reflects Inolex’s approach to ingredient development. The company states that it uses artificial intelligence-accelerated research and development to reduce the time from concept to commercial launch, with the aim of delivering ingredients that are safer, greener, and higher performing more quickly.
