How Does Sunscreen Work? The Chemistry of Protection | Rysun Biotech

Wondering "how sunscreen works?" It’s a battle of Chemistry (Absorption) vs. Physics (Reflection). Rysun Biotech’s scientists explain the mechanism and how we manufacture stable, high-efficacy SPF.

How Does Sunscreen Work? A Manufacturer’s Guide to the Science of Protection

Introduction
We apply it at the beach, we layer it under makeup, but few people stop to ask the fundamental question: "How sunscreen works?" Is it a magical barrier? Is it a chemical reaction?

At Guangzhou Rysun Biotechnology, we view sun protection as the most critical form of anti-aging technology. Founded in 2014 by Ivy Wong to solve the "inconsistent quality" of market products, and inspired by deep discussions with a Swiss anti-aging expert, we know that understanding the mechanism of SPF is key to formulating a product that actually protects the skin.

Backed by our Research Institute and 20 leading scientists, we are here to pull back the curtain on the chemistry. Here is the scientific breakdown of how sunscreen interacts with UV rays and how Rysun engineers products to ensure that interaction saves your skin.

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The Enemy: Understanding UV Radiation

To understand how sunscreen works, you must understand what it is fighting.

• UVB Rays (Burning): These hit the surface of the skin, causing sunburn.
• UVA Rays (Aging): These penetrate deep into the dermis, destroying collagen and causing wrinkles.

Sunscreen works by stopping these rays before they damage your DNA. It does this in two distinct ways: Absorption or Reflection.

Mechanism 1: Chemical Sunscreen (The Sponge)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Homosalate.

• How it Works: Think of chemical sunscreen as a sponge.

• The organic carbon-based compounds absorb the UV rays.
• They undergo a chemical reaction that converts the UV energy into heat.
• This heat is released from the skin (dissipated) before it can cause damage.

• The Manufacturing Science: This reaction happens inside the top layer of the skin. Rysun uses advanced Encapsulation Technology (part of our 253 IPs) to ensure these chemicals stay stable and don't irritate the skin while they convert heat.

Mechanism 2: Physical/Mineral Sunscreen (The Shield)

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.

• How it Works: Think of mineral sunscreen as a mirror or a shield.

1. The minerals sit on top of the skin's surface.
2. They physically reflect and scatter the UV rays away from the body, like a disco ball reflecting light.

• The Manufacturing Science: To make this work without looking white, Rysun uses Micronization and Dispersion technology. We grind the minerals down to an invisible size and coat them so they form a perfect, gap-free shield on the skin.

The "Invisible" Factor: Photostability

Knowing "how sunscreen works" is useless if the product stops working after 30 minutes.
This is the biggest challenge in manufacturing.

• The Problem: When chemical filters absorb UV rays, they can break down (degrade). A degraded sunscreen lets UV rays pass through.

• The Rysun Solution: We engineer Photostability.

• • Our R&D team uses specific stabilizing agents (like solvent polarity) to ensure the filters can absorb UV energy repeatedly without breaking apart.

  • Our 50 inspection procedures include rigorous testing under UV simulators to guarantee that the SPF value you see on the label is the protection you get in real life.

The Film-Forming Matrix

For sunscreen to work, it must form a uniform film.

• The Gap Theory: If a sunscreen applies patchily, UV rays sneak through the gaps.
• The Rysun Solution: Leveraging our 105 product patterns, we use advanced polymers that create a flexible, breathable "net" over the skin. This holds the UV filters in an even layer, ensuring every millimeter of skin is covered and protected.

Conclusion

So, how does sunscreen works?
It works by either absorbing radiation and turning it into harmless heat, or reflecting radiation away from the body. It is a sophisticated chemical shield.

However, a shield is only as good as its construction. At Rysun Biotechnology, we combine over 10 years of manufacturing excellence with Swiss-inspired precision. We manufacture sunscreens that are stable, uniform, and scientifically verified to perform. Partner with us to create a sun care product that works harder than the sun does.

FAQs

Q1: Does sunscreen stop working after 2 hours?
A: Yes. The "film" on your skin breaks down due to sweat and oil, and chemical filters can degrade after absorbing too much UV energy. This is why Rysun advises reapplication every 2 hours to maintain the shield.

Q2: Does higher SPF mean it works differently?
A: No, the mechanism (absorption or reflection) is the same. Higher SPF just means the product filters out a higher percentage of UVB rays (SPF 30 = 97%, SPF 50 = 98%) before they reach the skin.

Q3: Can Rysun make a sunscreen that works both ways?
A: Yes. We specialize in Hybrid Sunscreens. These combine chemical absorbers and physical reflectors to give you the lightweight texture of a chemical SPF with the broad-spectrum stability of a mineral SPF.

Q4: How does Rysun test if the sunscreen is working?
A: We use In-Vitro (lab plates) and In-Vivo (human skin) testing. We measure exactly how much UV light passes through the product film to verify the SPF rating before any product leaves our Guangzhou facility.