We are all aware of the need to protect our skin from the sun to avoid the harmful effects of UV radiation, such as sunburn, premature skin aging, and the risk of skin cancer.
Designing ever more effective products lies at the heart of our formulation process.
One of the greatest challenges in formulating suncare products is to offer protection that:
- is long-lasting,
- is water and sweat resistant,
- covers the entire skin evenly,
- and is non-ecotoxic to preserve the environment, and in particular aquatic ecosystems.
On the strength of these commitments, L'Oréal has developed and patented an innovative sun protection technology.
Our Photoprotection Development Laboratory, in collaboration with our raw material suppliers, has identified a polymer (a macromolecule comprised of a chain of small repeating molecules) capable of gelling and stabilising sun filters
The benefits of this new technology
"With this technology, L'Oréal provides an answer to the specific needs of sun protection. The filters are encased in fine droplets of gelled oils, which allow the formation of a continuous and flexible film on the skin’s surface. The ultra-thin film created is invisible, leaving no trace or greasy or sticky effect on the skin."
The even distribution of the sunscreens reinforces the protection. Netlock technology provides higher UV protection, with a higher SPF* than a conventional formula for the same filter system.
The interlocking filters also ensure the product better resists water, sweat and sand. This increased resistance has a dual advantage: it makes the protection last longer and limits the migration of the product into the aquatic environment.
Moreover, this technology is versatile, it adapts to various textures of suncare products (spray, milk, cream or fluid).
*The SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a measure of the effectiveness of sun protection against the short-term effects of UVB (sunburn). This index is measured in a laboratory using standard tests.
Which products do we use it in?
We launched a first sunscreen with Netlock technology in 2018. Since then, our formulators have reviewed all formulations to offer gels, sprays and sun milks, with this additional technological benefit.
It is now widely used by the Group's various brands, namely in the Anthelios range by La Roche Posay, Garnier Ambre Solaire and Mixa Solaire.
