Zinc oxide sun care solutions
Browse our featured Z-COTE® portfolio for broad-spectrum zinc oxide sun care solutions and formulation inspiration

All-Over Sun Protection
Any place, any time, for any activity — our versatile Z-COTE UV filters provide the highest performance sun protection for all skin types, including sensitive skin, making it easy to stay protected wherever you go.
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Explore the Z-COTE Portfolio
The Z-COTE product line from BASF Care Creations has a proven history of providing safe-use Zinc Oxide UV filters that continuously evolve to address the newest and most relevant market and formulation needs.


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For the Active Consumer
An SPF performance boost for any workout.
Always reaching for the next level of performance, these athletes need sun protection that can keep up with their active lifestyle. When it’s time to train, they prioritize products with strong SPF performance and broad-spectrum protection achieved through high critical wavelength.

For the Conscious Consumer
A green thumbs-up for natural sourcing.
This volunteer sees hope in a sustainable future, which is why he spends many days tending to his community gardens. When he considers the best product to protect his skin on those sunny days, he wants to feel confident that the ingredients are derived from natural sources.

For the On-The-Go Consumer
A convenient application for everyday wear.
Between class, sports clubs and study groups in the park, these students have plenty of activities to keep them running around throughout the day. They look for sun care products in easy, convenient formats with pleasant aesthetics to protect their skin and keep them looking fresh.

For the Educated Consumer
A safe-use option trusted by parents.
Parents want the best for their kids, and sun protection is no different. This mom dedicates time to researching safe, trusted sun care ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. She’ll always choose the safest option for her kids so they can have their fun in the sun.
Working with ZnO
Working with Z-COTE UV Filters
BASF Care Creations Can Help
With our broad portfolio and decades of knowledge, BASF can recommend the most effective ingredients to optimize your sun care formulations. Rely on our expertise to formulate your next Z-COTE sunscreen.
Z-COTE Formulation Tips
1. UV Filter Selection
Select the Z-COTE grade that best fits your needs based on transparency, particle size and coating.
2. Ingredient Selection
If selecting an uncoated particle, look for emollients with high polarity such as Myritol® 331. If working with a hydrophobic coating on the particle, look for emollients with medium-low polarity. For best results, pair with non-ionic ingredients such as rheology modifiers and emulsifiers.
3. Dispersing ZnO
Mix well in hot oil, then homogenize the oil phase to further disperse the particles. Then homogenize the emulsion to ensure optimum performance and stability.
Explore formulas showcased at the Sunscreen Symposium
Rise & Shine Daily SPF: This light and airy everyday SPF cream features Z-COTE® HP1 X and offers broad-spectrum protection. Emollients Cetiol® C5, Cetiol® LC offer a soft and elegant feel, making it the perfect addition to daily routines.
Simply Zinc: A fast-blending sunscreen stick featuring Z-COTE® HP1 X that provides convenient, on-the-go protection with a soft, smooth feel. This formulation is >90% natural* and offers broad spectrum protection
Simply Zinc (Kids): >90% natural* sunscreen stick featuring Z-COTE®, which provides effective broad-spectrum UV protection with a non-greasy, non-oily feel. This formulation offers easy application, making it possible to keep kids protected throughout the day.
*According to BASF calculation
Kissed by SPF: This elegant SPF lip balm features Z-COTE®, an effective ZnO powder, as well as Myritol 331 and Cosmedia® Gel CC, which provide moisturization and a light texture, avoiding a greasy and heavy feel. This is sure to be a staple in any daily routine.
All Day Long Lip Balm: This silky, smooth SPF lip balm will have consumers wanting to reapply all day long. It highlights Z-COTE® Simple, an easy to work with ZnO dispersion, as well as emollients such as Myritol 331 and Cosmedia DC, which provide long-lasting moisture that the lips desperately crave during time in the sun.

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Complete the form to ask a question, request Z-COTE samples or arrange a chat with a BASF Care Creations representative. We look forward to helping you with your next sun care formulation.
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