Under the agreement Dow will be the exclusive marketer and distributor of the Zinc-based UV protection ingredients for the North and Latin American personal care markets.
ZinClear-IM will be available as part of Dow's Amerchol business unit that specializes in performance ingredients for the personal care industry.
The sunscreen range will be formally launched by the company at the SCC Suppliers Day tradeshow, on May 13-14 2008 in Edison, New Jersey.
Transparent and a high SPF rating Due to its transparency and high SPF rating ZinClear-IM is well suited for use in daily moisturisers and other cosmetic formulations.
"ZinClear- IM products are distinct in that they provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and are non-whitening and non-greasy on the skin, even when incorporated at high levels in formulations," said Jim Gall, sun care market development manager at Dow.
"The improved aesthetic benefits of ZinClear- IM products make them ideal for use in daily wear and color cosmetic products, where a light, non-greasy feel is important to consumers", he added.
The product's increased transparency is related to smaller particle size, narrow particle distribution and uniform particle dispersal, which in addition improves dispersal of the product on the skin, according to ANT.
UV protection in everyday products is desirable The demand for daily moisturizers and color cosmetics with SPF values is growing as the fear over high levels of sun cancer and inadequate protection heightens.
In addition, Dow cites regulations requiring manufacturers of over the counter sunscreen products to disclose the level of UVA and UVB protection products provide as a further driver behind this demand.
"Given the new regulations proposed by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the increased public awareness about the danger of UVA rays, the timing for this strategic relationship is excellent news for the personal care sector," said Eunice Heath, global marketing and sales director for Dow's unit Dow Wolff Cellulosics.