Custom SPF Formulation: Make Your Sunscreen Brand Stand Out

Sunscreen is no longer just for beach days’ it’s now a daily skincare must-have. With more people looking for products that match their skin type, lifestyle, and values, the sunscreen market is growing fast.  

But with so many options already out there, how can your brand stand out? The answer is custom SPF formulation. By creating a sunscreen that’s tailored to your audience, you can offer something truly unique.  

Whether it’s reef-safe, tinted, or packed with skin-loving ingredients, a custom formula helps your product get noticed and trusted. Let’s explore how to make it happen. 

Why Custom SPF Formulation Matters? 

Most sunscreens on the market share similar ingredients and features. While effective, they often lack a personal touch or targeted benefits. Custom SPF formulation lets you build something that caters directly to your ideal customer. 

Here’s why custom SPF is worth the effort: 

  • Tailored for Your Audience: Whether your customers want reef-safe ingredients, anti-ageing properties, or a product that works well under makeup, a custom formula helps you deliver exactly what they need. 
  • Unique Branding: A private-label sunscreen might offer quick entry to the market, but it won’t offer much in terms of uniqueness. A custom sunscreen formulation makes your brand stand out. 
  • Better Control Over Ingredients: You get to decide on active ingredients, texture, scent, finish, and even the environmental footprint of your product. 
  • Increased Customer Loyalty: A product that truly solves problems or meets specific preferences can turn one-time buyers into lifelong fans. 

Understanding SPF Basics 

Before diving into formulation, let’s review the basics of SPF. 

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a product protects the skin from UVB rays, the kind that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. 

But UVB protection is only part of the story. Broad-spectrum sunscreens also protect against UVA rays, which cause premature ageing and deeper skin damage. A well-formulated sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection. 

There are two main types of active ingredients in private label SPF: 

  • Chemical filters (like avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone): These absorb UV radiation. 
  • Mineral or physical filters (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide): These sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. 

Each has its pros and cons, and your choice will depend on your brand’s mission and your target audience. 

Steps to Create a Custom SPF Formulation 

Launching a custom sunscreen can sound intimidating, but with the right sunscreen manufacturing partners and plan, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s how to go about it: 

1. Define Your Brand and Target Market 

Ask yourself: 

  • Who is my sunscreen for? 
  • What values does my brand represent? 
  • What skincare concerns do I want to address? 

For instance, if your target is eco-conscious millennials, a reef-safe mineral SPF with biodegradable packaging would be a smart move. If your audience wears makeup daily, you may want a lightweight, non-greasy SPF with a matte finish. 

2. Choose Your SPF Type and Level 

Decide if you want a mineral, chemical, or hybrid formula. Then select your desired SPF rating (commonly SPF 30 or SPF 50) for sunscreen manufacturing. Keep in mind: 

  • SPF 30 is typically sufficient for daily use. 
  • SPF 50+ is great for outdoor or sport-focused products. 

3. Select Additional Skincare Benefits 

Modern sunscreens often double as skincare. You can incorporate: 

  • Antioxidants (like vitamin C or E) for added protection against free radicals. 
  • Hydrators (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin) for moisture. 
  • Niacinamide for soothing and brightening benefits. 

These added ingredients not only boost effectiveness but also enhance the product’s marketing appeal. 

4. Work With a Cosmetic Chemist or Lab 

Partnering with a certified cosmetic lab is crucial. They’ll help: 

  • Formulate your private label SPF to meet regulations (FDA in the U.S., EU guidelines, etc.) 
  • Ensure your product is stable, safe, and effective 
  • Run necessary tests for SPF value and broad-spectrum protection 

Ask about in-vitro and in-vivo testing, shelf-life stability, and packaging compatibility. 

5. Test and Refine the Formula 

Once you have a prototype, it’s time for testing: 

  • Wear tests: Check how it feels on the skin and performs in real-life conditions. 
  • User feedback: Gather opinions from your target market group. 
  • Adjustments: You might need to tweak texture, fragrance, or finish. 

This step might take a few rounds but is critical to nailing your final product. 

6. Packaging and Labelling 

Your sunscreen custom packaging should: 

  • Protect the formula (UV-proof containers for stability) 
  • Reflect your brand identity 
  • Provide legally required labelling (like SPF value, drug facts, usage instructions) 

Also consider sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options to appeal to eco-conscious buyers. 

How to Market Your Unique Sunscreen? 

Once your product is finalised, your custom formulation becomes a strong marketing asset. Here’s how to leverage it: 

  • Highlight What Makes It Different: Emphasise what sets your formulation of sunscreen cream apart: non-whitening finish, reef-safe, vegan, doubles as moisturizer, etc. 
  • Educate Your Audience: Use blogs, social media, and product packaging to teach customers about sunscreen and why your formulation is superior. 
  • Tell Your Brand Story: People connect with stories. Share why you created this product, your testing process, and the values behind your brand. 

Challenges in Custom SPF Formulation 

Formulating a custom SPF is rewarding, but it comes with hurdles: 

  • Regulatory Compliance: SPF products are considered over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in many countries. Make sure your manufacturer is experienced with these requirements. 
  • Longer Lead Time: Compared to off-the-shelf options, custom products take longer to develop. 
  • Higher Upfront Costs: Custom development involves R&D, testing, and minimum order quantities (MOQs). 

These are manageable challenges, especially if you work with an experienced lab and plan carefully. 

Final Thoughts 

Creating a custom herbal sunscreen formulation is about making a statement. When you take the time to design a sunscreen that reflects your brand’s values and truly meets your customers’ needs, you don’t just enter the skincare market; you elevate it. 

So if you’re serious about launching a sunscreen line that gets noticed and builds loyalty, custom SPF is the way to go. With the right team, clear vision, and attention to quality, your sunscreen can do more than protect and can shine. 

FAQs 

Q. What is a custom SPF formulation? 

Ans. A custom SPF formulation is a sunscreen product developed specifically for your brand, using unique ingredients, textures, and benefits tailored to your target audience. 

Q. How long does it take to create a custom sunscreen? 

Ans. On average, it takes 3 to 9 months to go from concept to launch. This includes formulation, testing, adjustments, and packaging. 

Q. Is custom SPF more expensive than private label? 

Ans. Yes, custom formulations usually cost more upfront due to R&D, testing, and regulatory compliance. However, they offer greater brand differentiation and long-term value. 

Q. Do I need FDA approval for a custom sunscreen? 

Ans. In the U.S., sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Your product must follow FDA guidelines, including SPF and broad-spectrum testing, and have compliant labelling. 

Q. What SPF level should I choose for my product? 

Ans. Most brands choose SPF 30 or SPF 50, depending on their target use (daily wear vs. outdoor or sport). Your lab can help you determine the best option.