Summer’s here, and while beach days and poolside lounging are great for the soul, they’re not always kind to our skin and hair.
That’s where you, the cosmetic formulator extraordinaire, step in to beat the heat! Whether you're mixing up SPF-packed magic or ultra-refreshing after-sun treats, it all starts with the right ingredients.
In this post, we’re diving into our six summer must-have ingredients that’ll keep your formulations fresh, fun, and summer-ready.
1. Natural SPF Booster
Citroleo's Buriti Oil is a 100% natural, cold-pressed oil from the vibrant Mauritia flexuosa fruit, an Amazonian powerhouse for sun care formulations.
Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin E, and omega-9's, it delivers antioxidant protection, deep hydration, and supports skin regeneration, ideal for both pre and post-sun products.
Perfect for after-sun balms, day creams, or glow oils, it helps fight photoageing, reduces oxidative stress, and reinforces the skin barrier, all with a light, silky finish.
Clinical studies show that adding just 5% Buriti Oil to a sunscreen formulation can boost SPF by up to 20%.
Enter Organic Virgin Pomegranate Oil, a luxurious, cold-pressed oil from juicy pomegranate seeds, rich in omega-5 (punicic acid) and polyphenols. This antioxidant powerhouse helps calm, nourish and defend the skin, making it ideal for after-sun care. With regenerative properties, it soothes inflammation, supports repair, and fights UV-induced free radicals. Plus, it is non-comedogenic and absorbs beautifully, perfect for lightweight balms, facial oils, or hydrating body elixirs.
SUNTAN ACCELERATOR PSP by Provital is your go-to for safely speeding up melanin production. Powered by L-tyrosine and riboflavin, this biotech-derived active enhances the skin’s natural tanning process for a deep, fast, and even tan—with less sun time. Perfect for pre-sun prep or low-SPF formulas, it’s ideal in tanning lotions, sun serums, or vacation-ready body mists. And by shortening sun exposure, it helps lower the risk of UV damage, too.
4. Skincare Superhero
Totarol’s BIOACTIVE TOTAROL™ Powder is your summer skin savior from the ancient New Zealand tōtara tree.
This natural powerhouse is 7x more effective than vitamin E, delivering potent antibacterial and antioxidant protection to keep skin clear, calm, and refreshed all season long.
Hot, humid days trigger breakouts and oxidative stress. BIOACTIVE TOTAROL™ helps balance skin flora, reduce inflammation, and protect against environmental damage, making it ideal for clarifying mists, cooling gels, and after-sun serums.
Soline® Bio is a 100% natural oil active derived from French organic sunflower seeds, developed by Laboratoires Expanscience. Rich in unsaponifiables, especially phytosterols and vitamin E, this multifunctional ingredient is perfect for soothing, protecting, and reinforcing sun-exposed skin. It helps restore the skin barrier, boost hydration, and reduce inflammation, making it ideal for after-sun care, SPF moisturisers, and sensitive skin formulations.
Meet ASCOWHITE, your skin’s new glow-up from the sea! Sourced from Ascophyllum nodosum, one of the ocean’s most powerful seaweeds, this brightening hero targets tyrosinase to visibly fade pigmentation. With no harsh stuff needed! Packed with antioxidants and skin-evening goodness, it’s perfect for clean, radiant formulas like glow serums, brightening creams, or daily dewy moisturisers.
Summary
And there you have it, our six summer MVPs ready to level up your formulations!
From cooling calmers to hydration heavyweights, these ingredients bring the kind of seasonal magic your products (and customers) will love.
Whether you're mixing up a beach bag essential or a post-sun recovery treat, these power players have your back.
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