Sunscreen SPF 50 (150ml)

Material Composition Assumptions

This analysis assumes a typical SPF 50 sunscreen formulation weighing approximately 150 grams total product weight. The active UV filter compounds comprise roughly 20-25% of the formulation mass, including both organic chemical filters such as octocrylene and octinoxate alongside potential mineral alternatives like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. The emulsifier system and water base represent the largest component at approximately 60-65% of total weight, providing the cream texture and stability. Preservatives and stabilizing agents account for 5-8% of the formulation to ensure product safety and shelf life. The polyethylene plastic tube packaging contributes an estimated 15-20 grams to the total product mass, representing a significant portion of the overall carbon footprint despite being a smaller percentage by weight.

Manufacturing Geography

The majority of global sunscreen production occurs in China, which serves as the primary manufacturing hub for both active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished cosmetic products. Chinese facilities benefit from established supply chains for petrochemical-derived UV filter compounds and proximity to plastic packaging manufacturers. The relatively high grid carbon intensity of 555 gCO2/kWh significantly impacts the manufacturing phase emissions, particularly during the energy-intensive synthesis of organic UV filter molecules. This regional concentration allows for economies of scale but creates carbon intensity dependencies based on the local electricity generation mix, which remains heavily reliant on coal-fired power generation.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	145	Baseline
European Union	275 gCO2/kWh	128	-12%
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	136	-6%
India	708 gCO2/kWh	156	+8%
South Korea	436 gCO2/kWh	140	-3%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Manufacturing facility electricity source documentation showing renewable energy procurement agreements or on-site generation capacity that differs from national grid averages.

2. Detailed bill of materials specifying the exact UV filter compounds used, their synthesis pathways, and supplier-specific production data for organic versus mineral active ingredients.

3. Packaging specifications including recycled content percentages, alternative materials to conventional polyethylene, and end-of-life recyclability certifications.

4. Transportation mode documentation covering shipping methods from raw material suppliers through final distribution, including any regional sourcing that reduces logistics distances.

5. Production process energy consumption data showing actual facility measurements for mixing, heating, homogenization, and filling operations rather than industry average estimates.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions including raw material extraction, chemical synthesis, manufacturing, and packaging but excludes consumer use phase and disposal impacts.

• Scope 3 emissions dominate the footprint due to the complex chemical synthesis required for organic UV filter compounds and the petrochemical-intensive plastic packaging production.

• The functional unit covers a single 150ml tube representing typical consumer purchase quantities for personal sun protection products.

• Marine ecotoxicity impacts from UV filter chemical leaching are excluded from this carbon-focused assessment despite significant environmental relevance.

• Data gaps exist around the specific energy requirements for different UV filter synthesis pathways and the comparative impacts of mineral versus organic active ingredient manufacturing processes.

• Regional formulation differences driven by reef-safe regulations may alter the carbon footprint but are not captured in this generalized assessment.