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Tinted Sunscreens: Consumer Preferences Based on Light, Medium, and Dark Skin Tones
Henriette De La Garza1, Poom Visutjindaporn1, Mayra B C Maymone1
1Drs. De La Garza, Visutjindaporn, and Vashi are from the Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts. Dr. Maymone is from the Department of Dermatology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Vashi also is from the VA Boston Healthcare System, Massachusetts.
Tinted sunscreens offer protection from visible light, but shade diversity is lacking. Most products have one shade, leading to tone incompatibility issues, especially for darker skin tones.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
- Photoprotection
Background:
- Visible light (VL) can affect skin pigmentation and cause erythema.
- Tinted sunscreens (TSs) with iron oxides (IOs) and pigmentary titanium dioxide (PTD) offer protection against UV and VL.
- Consumer preference for TSs is influenced by skin tone compatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing consumer preference for over-the-counter tinted sunscreens based on skin tone.
- To identify areas for improvement in tinted sunscreen formulations regarding shade diversity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of descriptive data and customer reviews from an online supplier for over-the-counter tinted sunscreens.
- Qualitative coding of the top 10 most helpful reviews using a consensus scheme.
- Categorization of positive and negative descriptors related to product performance and shade matching.
Main Results:
- Most tinted sunscreens offer limited color shades, often only one.
- Tone incompatibility was the most frequent negative feedback, particularly from consumers with darker skin tones.
- Products with more shade options were more frequently recommended.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant need for increased shade diversity in tinted sunscreen products.
- Addressing the lack of shade options is crucial for improving consumer satisfaction, especially for individuals with darker skin tones.
- Tinted sunscreens can provide cosmetic and photoprotective benefits, but formulation inclusivity is key.
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