How does EVOH solve the shelf life issue in sunscreen bottles?

As consumers' demands for quality in skincare products continue to rise, especially in the sunscreen sector, the shelf life and effectiveness of sunscreen have become crucial issues that cannot be ignored. As an essential part of daily skincare, sunscreen's effectiveness is directly linked to skin health. To ensure the long-term effectiveness of sunscreen, the choice of packaging material is crucial. The EVOH Sunscreen Bottle, with its excellent properties, is an ideal solution for addressing the shelf life issue.

Basic Characteristics and Advantages of EVOH Materials

EVOH is a high-performance copolymer material widely used in packaging due to its excellent gas barrier properties, UV protection, and moisture barrier properties. In sunscreen packaging, EVOH is typically used as the inner coating of the bottle and laminated with other plastic materials (such as polyethylene and polyester) to form a multilayer structure. The advent of the EVOH Sunscreen Bottle means consumers can enjoy longer-lasting sun protection and greater product stability.

EVOH exhibits strong oxygen barrier properties, chemical stability, and high heat resistance. In sunscreen packaging, EVOH effectively blocks oxygen, moisture, and UV rays, extending the shelf life of the sunscreen and ensuring its stability during long-term storage, preventing degradation or loss of the sunscreen ingredients.

The Root of Sunscreen Shelf Life Issues

During the sunscreen production process, the stability of its core ingredient—the sunscreen—plays a crucial role in determining its shelf life. Sunscreens primarily contain chemical and physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens (such as octocrylene and avobenzone) are particularly susceptible to external environmental factors, leading to degradation and loss of their sun protection effectiveness. The sunscreen ingredients in sunscreen are highly susceptible to oxygen, UV rays, and moisture, which can cause them to break down or deteriorate, compromising their protective properties.

Oxidation: The Biggest Enemy to Sunscreen Ingredient Degradation

Oxygen is one of the biggest factors that cause sunscreen degradation. Many chemical sunscreen ingredients are susceptible to oxidation reactions with oxygen in the air, resulting in a loss of their sun protection. For example, common chemical sunscreen ingredients like octocrylene and avobenzone can undergo molecular changes after prolonged exposure to oxygen, rendering the sunscreen ineffective. Therefore, the gas barrier properties of the packaging bottle are crucial to the shelf life of sunscreen.

Ultraviolet radiation: The "Achilles' heel" of sunscreen ingredients

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is another major factor in sunscreen degradation. UV rays have strong penetrating power and can penetrate packaging materials, directly damaging sunscreen ingredients. Sunscreen agents (especially chemical ones) are susceptible to UV rays, causing them to lose their protective effectiveness. Therefore, sunscreen packaging must not only resist the intrusion of oxygen and moisture but also provide effective UV protection to avoid direct UV exposure.

Moisture: A Hidden Factor Affecting Sunscreen Stability

Moisture is a hidden factor that affects the stability of sunscreen. Sunscreen often contains a certain amount of water, and moisture from the air can cause product changes when it seeps into the packaging. Factors such as moisture evaporation and microbial contamination can accelerate the degradation of sunscreen, affecting its effectiveness and user experience. Therefore, sunscreen packaging materials must possess strong moisture barrier properties.

How Does EVOH Solve the Shelf Life Issue in Sunscreen Bottles?

EVOH sunscreen bottles offer significant advantages in addressing sunscreen shelf life issues, particularly in terms of resistance to oxidation, UV damage, and moisture penetration. The following is a detailed analysis of how EVOH addresses these issues:

Strong Gas Barrier: Preventing Oxygen Ingress

One of the greatest advantages of EVOH is its excellent oxygen barrier properties. Oxygen is the primary factor in the degradation of sunscreen ingredients, especially chemical sunscreens. Traditional plastic packaging may not be able to completely block oxygen from the air, but EVOH's strong gas barrier properties effectively prevent oxygen from penetrating the bottle, preventing oxidation reactions with the sunscreen's ingredients. This property allows sunscreen to maintain the stability of its active ingredients over time, thereby extending the product's shelf life.

UV Protection: Protecting the Effectiveness of Sunscreen Ingredients

UV rays are another major factor in sunscreen degradation. EVOH material has certain UV-blocking properties, effectively preventing UV rays from penetrating the bottle and directly affecting the sunscreen ingredients. By reducing UV damage to sunscreen ingredients, the EVOH Sunscreen Bottle helps maintain higher protection during use. This is particularly important for sunscreens exposed to the sun for extended periods.

Moisture Barrier: Maintaining the Texture and Effectiveness of Sunscreen

EVOH material effectively blocks the penetration of external moisture, which is crucial for maintaining the moisture and oil content in sunscreen. Moisture intrusion can cause changes in the texture of sunscreen and even introduce microbial contamination, affecting its effectiveness. EVOH's moisture barrier function ensures a stable water-to-oil ratio within the sealed packaging, preventing moisture evaporation and microbial contamination, further extending the shelf life of the sunscreen.

Multi-layer Composite Structure: Comprehensive Protection

EVOH is often combined with other plastics such as PE and PET to form a multi-layer structure, giving the bottle enhanced protection. The composite structure of the EVOH Sunscreen Bottle further enhances the overall sealing of the package, providing comprehensive protection from external factors such as oxygen, moisture, and UV rays. This multi-layer composite packaging not only extends the shelf life of the sunscreen but also effectively improves its damage resistance, ensuring consumers enjoy effective sun protection with every use after opening the package.