Skin treatment products

	This sunscreen from mainland China's Shanghai Landun has whitening and anti-aging benefits. Priced at $2 for a 40g tube, the product has a sun protection rating of SPF 20.

Companies are incorporating better ingredients in new models to widen the range of functions.

Mainland China and Taiwan suppliers of skin care products are offering sun-protective varieties in hypoallergenic and natural materials, which are being sourced from reputable providers.

Under efforts to improve quality, makers are adopting better ingredients. Most new models contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that absorb UVA and UVB rays and are more hypoallergenic than avobenzone, a chemical often present in sunscreen. Moreover, many suppliers are now using nanofine versions of the minerals, as the skin can absorb these better.

The latest formulations have a sun protection rating of SPF 15 to 50, and incorporate natural plant extracts. These include jojoba oil, shea butter and aloe vera that nourish and repair skin. Moisturizing almond oil and chamomile soothe burns and rashes.

Most models are fragrance-free. But for some variants, natural floral and fruit extracts lend a subtle scent.

In addition, makers are improving packaging under efforts to inhibit the growth of bacteria. The use of a pump as the packaging is on the increase as this prevents germs from being transferred into the product. This type also costs less and is more portable. Models in tubes and pots, however, are still available.

Products are marketed in smaller volumes of less than 30mL to avoid extrinsic contamination.

Most companies have their own laboratories that meet the GMP requirements of the FDA.

Among the mainland suppliers interviewed for this report, Shanghai Landun Biologitech Co. Ltd has a 3,600sqm factory that houses vacuum emulsion machines and biochemistry incubators. Of the 102 workers, 20 chemists develop new models.

Models from Shanghai Milene Cosmetic Co. Ltd incorporate natural moisturizer such as jojoba oil, aloe vera and shea butter. These have the in-house Loyir brand.

At Hangzhou Mino Daily Chemicals Co. Ltd, eight chemists develop models under the Silkskin brand. The company sources paraben from ISP in the US and benzophenone from Switzerland’s Hoffmann-La Roche.

The maker meets GMP requirements.

In Taiwan, Guan Ying International Corp. submits procured ingredients for testing to the Lee Ming Institute of Technology. Finished output is inspected at SGS.

Herdsman Enterprises Co. Ltd sources ingredients from France’s Sederma through the trading company Merch of Germany.

Models from Muzion Biological Technology Co. Ltd contain rose and fruit extracts.

A member of the Taiwan Cosmetic Industry Association, Anime Cosmetic Research Laboratories Co. Ltd complies with domestic quality standards.