UV/Visible Transmittance Curves of TiO2 of various Primary Particle Sizes
Non-Nano ZnO (STEM picture)
Skin whitening of TiO2 dispersions of various Primary Particle Size
Low viscosity dispersions with a high pigment loading can be achieved
Kobo Products offers various Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Dispersions and Powders. These Attenuation Grade Dispersions are available in various carriers and provide low whitening and SPF or yield an optimal efficacy against UVA and/or UVB. Kobo also offers Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide and Transparent Iron Oxides that may contain inorganic and organic surface treatments to improve their dispersion in formulas and physical and chemical stability.

In the charts accessible with the "Products / Specs / SDS" links below, the following information is listed:
- Primary Particle Size (nm) of the TiO2 or ZnO used.
- Active content (%).
- Compliance of either Titanium Dioxide (nano) or Zinc Oxide (nano) with EU Regulation No 1223/2009 - Annex VI.
For dispersions, the following is added:
- Size of aggregates as measured by Dynamic Light Scattering - DLS size (nm) - for comparison. This should not be utilized for labeling or notification purpose.
- Viscosity.
These charts were prepared to assist formulators: the information contained herein is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing and represents typical values, but should not be used as a subsitute for product specification sheets.
We recommend that customers make their own assessment when using particle size data for the purpose of identifying nanomaterials in their finished formulations.
  • UV Attenuation Powders & Dispersions

    • UV Attenuation TiO2 Powders

      Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an effective UV absorber when the primary particle size is under 100 nm. Its physical and chemical stability differentiates this filter from organic UV absorbers. To improve dispersion in formulas and performances, TiO2 is available treated with various inorganic and organic compounds. While Aluminum Hydroxide and Alumina are common inorganic treatments, Silica treated TiO2 are also available.
      Most Kobo TiO2 powders are "Non-Nano" as measured according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term Nanomaterial according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019).
    • UV Attenuation ZnO Powders

      Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is a mineral UV filter available in a range of primary particle sizes (PPS) and varying optical properties. Because of its relatively low reflective index, ZnO of a large size can be used in a formula without causing significant whitening. To improve its dispersion in formulas and performance, ZnO can be surface treated with various organic compounds. Kobo ZnO in powder form are all "Non-Nano" as measured according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term "Nanomaterial" according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019).
    • ZnO-C Powders

      Kobo offers a unique grade of Zinc Oxide, named ZnO-C. This zinc oxide has a primary particle size of about 100- 300 nm and a size distribution that is approximately 80 percent above 100 nm. ZnO-C is Non-Nano when measured according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term "Nanomaterial" according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019).
      It is available as a powder, with or without surface treatment. Surface treated ZnO-C shows improved dispersibility and compatibility with cosmetic media. It allows formulators to develop sunscreen products with high UV protection and cosmetic acceptability without nanoparticles.
    • UV Attenuation Nano TiO2 Dispersions

      Titanium Dioxide is available in a wide range of primary particle sizes and varying optical properties. When formulated, it forms aggregates of primary particles; large aggregates reduce the protection of the formula against UV light, and scatter visible light which increases skin whitening, sometimes creating an ashy look.
      Kobo uses its extensive experience to offer a wide selection of TiO2 dispersions that include various particle sizes, surface treatments, and carriers. Particle sizes of these TiO2 are smaller than 100nm when measured by light scattering sizing, according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term "Nanomaterial" according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019). By carefully selecting carriers and dispersants, our TiO2 dispersions provide the best protection against UVA and UVB, and minimal whitening to formulators.
    • UV Attenuation Non-Nano TiO2 Dispersions

      Small particle size Titanium Dioxide (particle sizes less than 100nm, or "nanoparticles") are ideal to optimize protection against UV light, and to minimize the scattering of visible light. However, there are recent safety concerns surrounding nanoparticles, particularly skin penetration, risk of inhalation, eco-toxicity, and bioaccumulation in the human body. Pigment producers have been challenged to develop grades with a mean particle size greater than 100nm, while maintaining adequate UV protection and cosmetic acceptability.
      Kobo offers a range of Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide dispersions, where the particle sizes are greater than 100nm when measured by light scattering sizing, according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term "Nanomaterial" according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019). These dispersions have been designed to help formulators develop sunscreen products with high SPF/PFA and minimal whitening without nanoparticles.
    • UV Attenuation Nano ZnO Dispersions

      Zinc Oxide is a mineral sun filter, available in a wide range of primary particle sizes and varying optical properties. When formulated, it forms aggregates of primary particles; large aggregates reduce the protection of the formula against UV light, and scatter visible light which increases skin whitening.
      Kobo uses its extensive experience to offer a wide selection of ZnO dispersions that include various particle sizes, surface treatments, and carriers. Particle sizes of these ZnO are smaller than 100nm when measured by light scattering sizing, according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term "Nanomaterial" according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019). By carefully selecting carriers and dispersants, our ZnO dispersions provide the best protection against UVA and UVB, and minimal whitening to formulators.
    • UV Attenuation Non-Nano ZnO Dispersions

      Small particle size Zinc Oxide (particle sizes less than 100nm, or "nanoparticles") are ideal to optimize protection against UV light, and to minimize the scattering of visible light. However, there are recent safety concerns surrounding nanoparticles, particularly skin penetration, risk of inhalation, eco-toxicity, and bioaccumulation in the human body. Pigment producers have been challenged to develop grades with a mean particle size greater than 100nm, while maintaining adequate UV protection and cosmetic acceptability.
      Kobo offers a range of Non-Nano Zinc Oxide dispersions, where the particle sizes are greater than 100nm when measured by light scattering sizing, according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term "Nanomaterial" according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019). These dispersions have been designed to help formulators develop sunscreen products with high SPF/PFA and minimal whitening without nanoparticles.
    • ZnO-C Dispersions

      Kobo offers a unique grade of Zinc Oxide, named ZnO-C. This zinc oxide has a primary particle size of about 100- 300 nm and a size distribution that is approximately 80 percent above 100 nm, when measured by image analysis. ZnO-C is Non-Nano when measured according to the last Nano Guidance from Cosmetics Europe (Interpretation of the Definition of the Term "Nanomaterial" according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, May 24, 2019).
      ZnO-C is available as dispersions in esters, silicones or water to further increase performance. It allows formulators to develop sunscreen products with high UV protection and cosmetic acceptability without nanoparticles.


  • IR Protection

    Infrared radiations, in particular near infrared (IR-A), have the ability to penetrate deep into the dermis. Recent studies have shown they generate free radicals and produce other harmful biological effects to the skin resulting in aging and wrinkles.
    Kobo has screened numerous particulate materials and selected two large size titanium dioxide which showed a great capacity to attenuate IR-A. These materials are offered with a variety of surface treatments.


  • HEV/Blue Light Protection

    High Energy Visible (HEV) light emitted by the Sun and electronic devices ranges from 380 nm to 500 nm. It can reach the hypodermis of our skin, further down than UV light does. Recent research has shown that HEV light generates similar amounts of reactive oxygen species, as UVA and UVB rays combined, making it potentially more damaging to the skin than the UV light.
    The 35 nm TiO2 used in GCP55TEL (Natural Origin) and TNP45TEL dispersions was shown to be effective in attenuating HEV light. However, skin whitening with these large TiO2 can compromise formula aesthetics. Tinted dispersions using the same TiO2 and a transparent Red Iron Oxide combination gives a pleasing appearance and finish on the skin (GCP55TELR and TNP45TELR).


  • Sunscreen Boosters

    Kobo has developed a series of antioxidants and botanical blends, called SunBoost. When added to sunscreens formulated with either mineral or organic actives, or even with a combination of the two, SPF and PFA measured in vivo are dramatically increased, up to 30%. This provides the consumer with better protection against UA and UVB rays.
    Different compositions are available, combining Argan Oil, Bisabolol and Tocopheryl Acetate (SunBoost ATB and SunBoost ATB Natural, Tocopherol (SunBoost AEB Natural) or Ferulate (SunBoost AFB Natural). These blends offer similar sunscreen boosting activity. TNP50T7-ATB is a Titanium Dioxide dispersion with SunBoost ATB, which provides up to 4.5 SPF unit for each percent of TiO2.
    The different SunBoost can also be used in other types of formulas, for their antioxidants and anti-irritant properties.