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June 18, 2025

Why suncare isn’t just for sunny days

Sunlight is practically magic - boosting our moods, helping our bodies produce essential vitamin D, and inviting us to step outside and connect with the world around us. But sunlight harbors an invisible danger: cancer-causing UV radiation.

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Sunlight is practically magic - boosting our moods, helping our bodies produce essential vitamin D, and inviting us to step outside and connect with the world around us.

But sunlight harbors an invisible danger: cancer-causing UV radiation. Daily protection is essential to prevent its cumulative damage, yet sun protection is still widely misunderstood – not just by kids who resist wearing it, but by many adults who think it’s only needed at the beach.

Just look at the facts:

  • 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed globally is skin cancer1.
  • 1 in 5 Americans will face the risk of developing skin cancer by age 701.
  • Even one blistery sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double your risk of melanoma later in life2.

(Source: WHO1 and Skin Cancer Foundation2)

Three common suncare myths – debunked

Myth #1: You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.

Fact: Up to 80% of UV rays still reach the skin when it’s overcast3, increasing the risk of skin cancer, sun damage, and premature aging. In fact, certain clouds can increase DNA damage by up to 40%, compared to a sunny day.

Myth #2: Melanin-rich skin provides natural sun protection.

Fact: Dark skin tones only offer protection equivalent to SPF 8-134, which is far below the minimum recommended SPF 305. Nobody should skip sunscreen!

Myth #3: Sunscreen is only necessary at the beach.

Fact: Sun damage quickly adds up. Everyday exposure — like walking outside or sitting near windows — is as harmful as a day at the beach6.

(Source: WHO3 , Brenner & Hearing4, Skin Cancer Foundation5, Cancer Council Australia6)

 

Our sun experts do the hard work so you can lounge in the sun

Sunscreen has a tall order: it has to absorb quickly. Feel good on your skin. Leave no white traces. Stay on in the water. And of course, protect you, with a minimum impact on the environment.

It’s a lot to juggle - but that’s where dsm-firmenich comes in. With over 40 years of expertise in this field, we are a leader in smarter sun protection solutions: essential for health, desirable to use, and with a focus on sustainability. 

"At dsm-firmenich, we take great pride in our role as a public health advocate. Our commitment to high-performing suncare, skin cancer prevention and responsible practices is driven by superior innovation, deep consumer understanding and elevated science. This unwavering focus has positioned us as a trusted innovator in the suncare field.” 

Dr. Hendrik Reuter, VP of R&D and Innovation

“No two days are the same and that’s what makes it exciting. One moment, I’m pulling together clinical data and scientific evidence to support submissions for regulatory approval. The next, I’m deep into cutting-edge microbiome studies or exploring the next generation of sustainable UV filters. We’re not just imagining the future of sun protection - we’re building it.”

Dr. Rolf Schuetz, Associate Principal Scientist

Step inside our labs, and you’ll see our scientists in action. One scientist might be testing new UV filter combinations under intense light or heat. Another is getting feedback from a panel of testers on how a formula feels: texture, absorption, and more.

They’ll also test to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed for smooth, consistent coverage. Photostability tests confirm how formulas hold up after hours of sun exposure.

And for an immersive formula that delights the senses, our scientists will partner with perfumers to add scent.

But our innovation pipeline doesn’t stop at the surface: small molecular changes can drive big shifts toward greener chemistry. That’s why our scientists are developing even more sustainable solutions.

With our AI technology, we can better predict the environmental performance of suncare products, which can reduce time, cost, and waste.

Sun protection is not a nice to have. It’s a must-have.  Because smarter protection helps to reduce the burden of disease.

Because no two people, or their skin, are the same, we offer targeted solutions to match different needs. And at dsm-firmenich, we have the world’s biggest selection of UV filters. For instance:

  • PARSOL® SLX delivers high protection with a light, non-greasy feel.
  • PARSOL® DHHB delivers deep defense against aging.
  • PARSOL® Max shields against visible light, helps prevent dark spots and uneven skin tones.
  • PARSOL® Shield is set to be the first new UV filter to enter the US in 20+ years.

Our UV filters help protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but what if suncare could do more?

  • Sunsense3 combines high SPF with smooth textures and fresh scents, making protection a pleasure. Co-developed by our Beauty & Care and Perfumery teams, it transforms a routine into a sensory experience.

Think of it like building blocks: great suncare comes from stacking the right elements - protection, feel, and scent - with precision.

What is a UV filter?

UV filters in sunscreen are the ingredients exclusively or mainly intended to protect skin from UV radiation.

  • Organic filters mainly absorb UV rays and safely convert them into a small amount of heat, preventing deep skin damage.
  • Mineral UV filters mainly sit on the surface of the skin and act like tiny mirrors, reflecting and scattering away UV radiation. 

Suncare for every skin tone

We also design for diverse skin tones. One example? Our team in Latin America worked closely with customers to prototype and test formulations specifically for melanin-rich skin. Through this, we co-created a tinted SPF 60 sunscreen stick, formulated specifically to minimize the traces known as white cast.

"Inclusive suncare is non-negotiable. That's why we consider diverse skin tones to ensure sun protection that's safe, effective, and trustworthy for consumers around the world"

Juliana Flor​, Senior Manager Technical Laboratory 

Designing the future of suncare

At dsm-firmenich, we keep pushing forward. While we work toward developing next-generation filters and introducing them to the market, our Science & Research and suncare teams are also reinventing how existing filters are used - bringing fresh innovation to proven solutions.

The sun gives us life. Let’s return the favor — with protection that’s smart, inclusive, and rooted in science.

 

 

Want to learn more about suncare at dsm-firmenich? Check out our pages on Suncare, Sunscreen Optimizer, and our Destination Healthy Skin Sponsorship.