Proper sun protection comes down to a consumer’s willingness to do the right thing to protect his skin from UV light. In facial care products, compliance is driven by a product’s ease of use and aesthetics. Arbonne says its new DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30 is among a growing crop of beauty products deliver on both fronts.

Happi checked in with Kathryn Isom, vice president, marketing, to get more details on this new launch.

HAPPI: What makes DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30 a huge launch for Arbonne? We've heard it called a “game changer … in terms of delivering a high quality and more conscious product.”  Why does it have this moniker?

Isom: DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30 brings advancements in ingredient technology to deliver the benefits consumers are looking for, including being a multi-use product. With DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30, we are providing a hydrating sunscreen that also provides sheer coverage—easy to apply and long-lasting coverage make it a highly desirable addition for daily use.  Consumers are also loving that it is a buildable formula so it can be worn alone or under makeup as it can blend to compliment a spectrum of skin tones. DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30 is dermatologist tested and formulated to meet vegan requirements, in addition to being gluten free. This product comes without metalized components in a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper carton and even our shipping boxes are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. As a Certified B Corporation, we use effective plant-based ingredients that are responsibly sourced and results-oriented.

HAPPI: This is a “3-in-1” and, as such, there are many benefits with this product—can you share the key ingredients that deliver these attributes and benefits. For instance, we are very interested in use of the proprietary Carbobrotus Edulis Extract in this product.

Isom:  Carbobrotus Edulis Extract is a sustainably sourced ingredient from the Edulis plant that comes from a small town in France, La Gacilly.  This proprietary extract is known to support hydration and help maintain critical moisture. DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30 features key ingredients of argan oil, shea butter and vitamin E as a proper foundation that supports daily hydration and moisturization. DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30 also features iron oxides that function like mineral pixels, providing a light tint effect giving that “soft focus” effect that “perfect or blur” the look of your skin.  The sun protection factor comes from mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide (7.2%) and titanium dioxide (2.6%). Together these ingredients protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays with broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.

HAPPI: When it comes to sun protection, great esthetics lead to improved compliance. How does this formulation offer great aesthetics in terms of skin feel that might increase sun protection compliance?

Isom:  When developing DermResults Soft Focus Veil SPF 30, we challenged ourselves to find the latest blends in ingredient technology that reflect improved aesthetics from what has been available in the past. Our goal was to provide a seamless user experience; which includes enhanced spreadability and dry down upon the skin, blurring effect, minimizing white/violet casting, and being adaptable to most skin tones. This combination encourages consumers to continue their daily use of sunscreen protection without compromising a step in their routine.

HAPPI: How long was this product in development at Arbonne? And, were there any specific issues with the formulation that the R&D had to work on in greater detail/iron out to get to this level of product performance?

Isom:  We began working on this formula over two years ago taking feedback from our customers and consultants into consideration throughout the process. The key areas of focus during development were to ensure a true mineral sunscreen could deliver a breathable lightweight photo-filtered effect (texture and consistency) to blur the look of pores and fine lines. Through various iterations and several rounds with external product testers, we found this formula that delivered on what we wanted…a daily facial sunscreen that delivers a more natural and hydrated appearance, all while being sheer enough to be universal for both women and men alike.