For the future chemists, there’s no better way to spend a June morning and afternoon than learning how to concoct fluid mineral sunscreen with SPF 40 in a classroom at the Jacob K. Javits Center.

During the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ (NYSCC) 45th Annual Suppliers’ Day, the Ninth Annual Future Chemists Workshop drew a record turnout of over 140 students from 65 colleges and universities from around the US and Canada. The students were selected from a pool of 350 applications from over 100 universities. The class was helmed by Ava Perkins, a former “future chemist” and graduate of the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in cosmetic science and formulation design. Apart from serving as a science communicator leveraging social media to market her expertise, she is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Cincinnati in biomembrane science.

“I’ve been a part of this all four years and I started off as a student and then I helped,” said Perkins. “I’ve been a part of the journey for so long that I know how everything runs and I’m super passionate about giving back.”

She said cosmetics and personal care products are a part of everyday life and hopes to inspire students to be a part of the science behind their creation. Double for daily sunscreen use, which dermatologists are drilling home the importance of now more than ever.

“Everyone should be wearing sunscreen, no matter what the season is, but especially in the summer, especially today the sun is blazing,” said Perkins. “Sun protection is so important to prevent skin cancer, sun burns and premature aging. As the summer months are ramping up and people are going on vacation, I’d like to raise some awareness as to how sunscreen can protect you from UVA/UVB radiation and apply all those skills today.”

Sunscreen Lecture

Perkins led the students in two sessions on the opening day, June 3, to create a cold process fluid mineral sunscreen SPF 40 with moisturizing emollients and niacinamide. The sunscreen underwent in-vitro testing via a partnership with Advanced Laboratories. In-vitro testing involves SPF estimates sans human subjects.

Students were schooled on the pneumonic devices for ultraviolet rays. UVB – which represent the strongest wavelength during peak hours during the day (10 am – 2 pm) and penetrates the epidermis – burns the skin. UVA rays are responsible for aging. These rays pass through clouds and windows and penetrate deeper into the dermis. She thus urged students to use common sense when getting direct sunlight while sitting near a sunny window or driving a car. SPF 15, she said, blocks roughly 93% UVB while SPF 30 blocks roughly 97% UVB. SPF 50 blocks up to 98% UVB.

Reading off a graphic provided by BASF, Perkins showed students the 16 options for sunscreen in the US, with zinc oxide being the sole one providing broad spectrum protection, which includes both UVA and UVB rays.

Students donned lab coats from Coptis and equipment from suppliers including Tri-K Industries, Grant Industries and Inolex, to name a few.

IKA Works, Inc. supplied the workshop with their dispersers, and offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality laboratory, analytical, and production-scale equipment used globally in the cosmetics, fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries—trusted for precision mixing, homogenization, separation, and analysis.

The students were also afforded the opportunity to take advantage of a Mentor/Mentee Program and Board Choice Scholarship. NYSCC’s largest scholarship was created to inspire student members to reimagine the organization’s future. The deadline is June 30 and the application criteria is available here.