Awareness of the importance of ultraviolet (UV) protection continues to rise, driving the cosmetics industry to innovate in creating sunscreen formulations that are not only effective but also lightweight, safe, and environmentally friendly.

As part of this effort, Bahtera Adi Jaya, in collaboration with BASF, held a series of Sun Care 2025 Seminars in two major cities: Gading Serpong (October 15) and Surabaya (October 17).

The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing between global experts and cosmetics industry professionals in Indonesia, exploring the latest trends, active ingredient developments, and innovation pathways shaping the future of sun protection products.

Seminar Topics and Objectives

To reach a broader segment of the cosmetics industry, Bahtera Adi Jaya and BASF brought the Sun Care 2025 Seminar to two key locations: Gading Serpong and Surabaya.

Each city carried its own theme, both reflecting a shared spirit of innovation in sunscreen formulation. In Gading Serpong, the event titled “Journey to the Future of Suncare: Innovations, Clean Beauty, and Trend Shifts Shaping Tomorrow’s Sun Protection” explored how global trends and the concept of clean beauty are driving new directions in sun protection development.

Meanwhile, in Surabaya, the theme “Shield the Future: Discover the Smarter Sun Care Starts Here” highlighted the importance of smarter and more sustainable formulation approaches in response to the evolving needs of today’s consumers.

Both themes captured the seminar’s central focus: understanding how ingredient innovation, regulatory changes, and eco-friendly approaches are shaping the future of chemical sunscreen ingredients and the broader sun care landscape.

Speakers and Key Insights: A Global Perspective from BASF

The seminar featured three speakers from BASF, each bringing extensive expertise in sun care ingredient development:

  • Marcel Schnyder, Head of Technical Center Sun Care, Sun Care Global, discussed global trends and the latest research directions in sunscreen development. He shared BASF’s new approach to building chemically stable sunscreen formulations that deliver optimal UVA and UVB protection.
  • David Lee, Regional Marketing and Customer Success Technical Expert, Sun Care APAC, introduced the Eco-friendly Sun Care 2026 concept, focusing on the creation of chemical sunscreen ingredients with high safety profiles and minimal environmental impact. He also noted the rising demand for reef-safe, vegan, and biodegradable claims in sun care products worldwide.
  • Sarah Hu, Application Technology, Sun Care APAC, explored emerging trends in physical sunscreens, covering advances in particle size, dispersion, and skin transparency. She explained how combining chemical and physical filters can achieve broad-spectrum protection without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

Together, the speakers provided a comprehensive overview of how ingredient innovation, evolving regulations, and environmental awareness are reshaping the future of sunscreen formulation.

Prototype Zone: Bridging Theory and Application

One of the event’s highlights was the Prototype Zone, an interactive area where participants could experience firsthand various product formulations developed with BASF and Bahtera Adi Jaya ingredients.

The area was divided into three sections:

  • Sunscreen Zone: showcased different sunscreen formulations — from creams to lightweight gels and mist sprays. Participants could compare texture, finish, and spreadability across formulas combining chemical and physical UV filters.
  • Fragrance Zone: introduced a range of fragrance bases that can be incorporated into skincare and sun care products to enhance sensory experience.
  • Digital Zone: featured a UV Camera demonstration comparing the effectiveness of BASF formulations against other products available in the market.

This hands-on approach allowed participants to see how formulation principles translate into real-world performance, from protection levels to the sensory feel on skin.

Active Discussions and Technical Exchange

The seminars drew more than 70 participants in Jakarta and 40 in Surabaya, including formulators, R&D specialists, and cosmetics professionals from various companies.

The Q&A sessions were dynamic, covering topics such as:

  • UV filter stability in different emulsion systems,
  • techniques to improve transparency in physical sunscreens,
  • the impact of pH and stabilising agents on formulation performance, and
  • strategies for complying with new global regulations on active sunscreen ingredients.

Many participants took the opportunity to consult directly with BASF experts about their specific formulation challenges and development needs.

Interactive Activities and Participant Appreciation

To keep the sessions engaging, Bahtera Adi Jaya organised interactive activities such as quizzes, a lucky wheel, and giveaways of shopping vouchers worth millions of rupiah for active participants.

BASF also presented exclusive luggage gifts to attendees who shared their seminar experience on social media using the hashtag #AliveWithBahtera.

As an added touch, a photobooth was introduced for the first time, allowing participants to capture moments from the event and strengthen connections with peers across the industry.

Collaboration for the Advancement of Indonesia’s Cosmetics Industry

Through this seminar, Bahtera Adi Jaya reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation in Indonesia’s cosmetics sector.

Collaboration with BASF enables direct knowledge transfer from global experts to local professionals, helping the industry stay aligned with evolving trends, ingredient technology, and regulatory standards.

The key takeaway underscored the importance of a data-driven and sustainable approach in developing modern sunscreen formulations. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.