A recognised expert in sun protection, Sofia Cosmétiques has unveiled a transparent SPF 50 stick with a luminous finish that is easy to use and environmentally friendly. This innovation is the result of in-depth R&D work, a meticulous selection of ingredients, and a custom-designed industrial process.
A Heritage Player Driven by Innovation
Based in Carros for the past 35 years, Sofia Cosmétiques has built its reputation on eco-designed dermocosmetic and suncare products. The company has a staff of around 100, with 20% dedicated to R&D—an unusually high proportion for a contract manufacturer.
“Today, research is at the heart of everything we do,” says Abir Attour, Sales Engineer.
The company has made sun protection its specialty—a highly technical, tightly regulated and fiercely competitive segment. Since 2018, it has been leading the Lowtox program, which aims to formulate products that are safe for users and for aquatic environments. This project led to the development, in partnership with the University of Nice and the CNRS, of a non-destructive coral test, now commercialised by the start-up Innov&Sea.
A Breakthrough Galenic: The Transparent Sunscreen Stick
The latest embodiment of this strategy is a transparent SPF 50 sunscreen stick designed for on-the-go use and quick touch-ups, especially on the face. Compact, solid, and water-free, it combines effective protection with a pleasurable user experience.
“This stick delivers a luminous, glowy flnish that is instantly appealing. It glides on smoothly, without white residue, and ensures optimal coverage,” notes Nicolas Delerce, R&D Director.
Unlike opaque sticks, this formula relies on specific raw materials that preserve transparency while maintaining solidity. “We opted for non-polymeric viscosity agents to avoid introducing microplastics,” he explains.
Deliberate and Documented Formulation Choices
Sofia Cosmétiques made the deliberate decision to use organic—rather than mineral—filters, following a scientific evaluation of their impact.
“Contrary to common belief, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can have a higher environmental impact than certain chemical fllters. Our testing confirms that the selected organic fllters provide both skin safety and minimal disruption to marine ecosystems,” says Nicolas Delerce.
Another key component of the formula is the inclusion of powerful antioxidants to counter residual oxidative stress. The stick features astaxanthin, a microalgae-derived extract that gives the product its subtle orange hue.
“This active is 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C. It complements sun protection by helping to prevent photoaging,” the R&D Director adds.
Measured Environmental Performance
The transparent stick’s formula was tested using the protocol developed with Innov&Sea, allowing for impact assessment on coral without destroying samples.
“This is our most environmentally friendly product to date. The results have exceeded our initial expectations,” says Nicolas Delerce proudly.
These results validate the effectiveness of the organic filters + antioxidants duo, reinforcing the company’s eco-responsible positioning.
An Industrial Challenge Met Through Collaboration
Turning the formula into a market-ready product required an overhaul of the industrial setup.
“We had never produced sticks before. So we developed the entire process from hot-pouring to flnal packaging, working hand-in-hand with the R&D team,” explains Christophe François, Industrial Director.
Initial steps involved adapting existing equipment for pilot runs and fine-tuning parameters such as melting tempe- rature, holding time, cooling, and production speed. Once validated, work began on building a dedicated line.
A Well-Managed Reorganisation
The production line upgrades were carried out without interrupting ongoing operations. “We implemented the changes in stages, maintaining throughput on existing lines while supporting our teams through the transition,” Christophe François notes.
The new machine is due for delivery shortly. Early market feedback has already been encouraging:
“Demand has exceeded our forecasts. The transparent stick is winning over consumers—and not just in the suncare category,” he adds.
Looking Beyond Suncare
Buoyed by this success, Sofia Cosmétiques is extending the technology to other solid formats: enriched serums, mosquito-repellent sticks, and urban skincare products.
“Solid cosmetics address several challenges: practicality, watersavings, reduced packaging weight. It’s a direction we’re committed to exploring further,” confirms Nicolas Delerce.
A Clear Mission
The transparent stick is not exclusive to any single client—it’s available to all the company’s partners.
“We want to make a product that’s eflective, enjoyable, and responsible accessible to as many people as possible. It’s a direct response to market demand,” concludes Abir Attour.
With its transparent sunscreen stick, Sofia Cosmétiques delivers a fully integrated innovation—bringing together formulation, environmental performance, industrialisation, and commercial strategy under a unified vision. The company demonstrates that technical excellence, user comfort, and ecological responsibility can go hand-in-hand—and paves the way for a new generation of solid cosmetics. ●
Sofia Cosmétiques at a Glance
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Carros (Alpes-Maritimes, France)
Workforce: 100 employees
Revenue: €23 million
Expertise: formulation, regulatory compliance, packaging, cosmetics manufacturing
R&D allocation: 20% of staff
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
1ère Avenue, 4e Rue, 06510 Carros
www.sofiacosmetiques.fr
[email protected]
