EcoSun Pass ^®
Environmental Evaluation of the UV filter composition of Sunscreen Products

Based on a sense of environmental responsibility, scientific discipline and sensitivity to consumer wishes, BASF is introducing a methodology to assess the environmental impact of the UV filter composition of sunscreen formulations.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact sunscreens can have on ecosystems, with an emphasis on the wellbeing of coral reefs and they are also willing to consider and adapt their own consumption. In response, some brands have begun labelling their sun-care products according to the biodegradability of specific ingredients.

Research and different studies looking at the impact of sun care products on coral damage are still in their infancy.

"This approach is incomplete and even misleading: when sunscreen users swim in the sea, the product comes in contact with the marine life."

Thus, product releases into the aquatic compartment (including sediments) are likely to occur. Additional emissions into the soil compartment may occur if contaminated sewage sludge is applied to agricultural fields or due to landfill.

The entire personal care industry is being asked for help to find solutions. Which ingredients are harmful? What is the impact on the environment when all the UV filters are put together to make a formulation?

That‘s why we launched the BASF EcoSun Pass^®. Our customers can test their UV composition including all relevant environmental aspects such as water, sediment and soil.

Clear, transparent, comprehensive

Up to now, no scientifically sound and transparent system has been available to rank and potentially improve the impact of a given UV composition . As the worldwide market leader in sun-care ingredients, BASF has taken up the challenge and developed a matrix based on scientific criteria to measure the environmental impact of UV filters.

To underscore our credibility, our environmental impact assessment system functions entirely independently of our product portfolio – UV filters of a given formulation are assessed neutrally and transparently by applying the same criteria to all candidates. Possible improvements may or may not involve BASF ingredients.

In an extensive test system, we evaluate formulations according to 8 relevant criteria: