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We’re thrilled to share some exciting news that’s sure to brighten up your day! Q+A is delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new range of ingredient-led factor 50 hybrid sunscreens! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes for the past 3 years to bring you three new formulations which will hopefully not only meet but exceed the expectations of the amazing Q+A community. But don't just take my word for it! Hear first-hand from our founder, Freddy Furber, about the journey behind our SPF 50 Daily Sunscreen range. Freddy, over to you…

Since launching Q+A in 2019 we have been inundated with requests to put our incredible development team to the test of formulating a range of sunscreens. The range of SPF 50 Daily Sunscreen has been three years in development, and I am very proud of the finished formulations. I’m certain the range will be everything our customers expected and more!

In January 2022, we asked the most important people what they wanted from suncare – our loyal customers. Our survey found…

• A lightweight, non-greasy texture was the most important factor, closely followed by low white-cast
• SPF 50 was more favourable than SPF 30
  
• 75% agreed that a clean and natural SPF was hard to come by
  
• Breakouts caused by ‘greasy’ SPF formulas were causing customers to avoid applying SPF daily
  
• Added anti-ageing benefits were a huge bonus in an SPF formula
  
• Out of our range of ingredients, Niacinamide was the most desirable ingredient in an SPF formulation
  

The objective was to craft a series of sun protection products to seamlessly integrate with our customer’s daily skincare routines. After further analysis, we discovered many market-leading products had poor reviews related to the same common issues:

• Incompatibility with other products, particularly makeup
• A greasy skin finish (leaving those with oily skin concerned about breakouts)
  
• A white cast on the skin after application
  

Listening to our customers by addressing these performance concerns while exploring new non-traditional UV filter technologies was the core of the brief. From our analysis we found the use of widely known UV filters such as Zinc Oxide were contributing to the poor consumer experiences when using sunscreens.

The development process was extensive, spread over a 3 year period, with the lab team going through over 30 rounds of development using a test panel of 60 people and 20 rounds of in vitro testing.

To address the common complaints with SPFs we developed a ‘hybrid’ formula, containing both mineral and new generation organic (chemical) filters.

Our formulas have been developed with an amazingly low inclusion of UV filters (reducing the likelihood of white cast, and other common issues) but through our team’s innovative work, we are still delivering an incredibly high SPF 50, for high UVA + UVB protection from the sun’s harmful rays!

Our formulas contain:

• Up to 95% natural formula across the range
• No octocrylene, avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate or octisalate – this group of chemicals are the most widely used UV filters globally
  
• Performance led active ingredients
  
• Reef-safe ingredients, according to the Hawaii Reef Safe Bill
  
• A blend of specially selected natural ingredients for added skin benefits
  

The unique formulas create a ‘barely-there’ feeling upon application, paired with a silky, lightweight, and non-greasy feel on skin.

In true Q+A style, each SPF is enhanced with the skin benefits of some amazing active ingredients! The Niacinamide SPF 50 Balancing Daily Sunscreen is formulated for those with skin prone to congestion, delivering oil-balancing benefits – perfect for those with concerns that SPF application may lead to breakouts.

The Peptide SPF 50 Anti-Ageing Daily Sunscreen has been formulated based on customer demand for sun protection with added youth-boosting benefits. Ideal for mature, dull skin it offers collagen-boosting and skin-firming benefits.

Lastly, the Squalane SPF 50 Hydrating Daily Sunscreen features one of my favourite ingredients and has been formulated for ultimate skin nourishment and that ‘glow’ that everyone wants to achieve. As always, there’s an option for every skin type!

I can’t wait for you to experience the range, and I’m sure it’ll soon become a staple in your daily routine…

Freddy  @ Team Q+A