The secrets of the solar stick: interview with our formulant expert

Met at the very beginning of the Monjour adventure, Virginie Pluys is founder and R&D responsible for a laboratory. Concretely, what does that mean? Working in the shadows, it is she who makes our care tailor-made, respecting all our requirements! For you, Audrey and Manon have collected his secrets. She reveals behind the scenes of her job but also of the development of one of our last little ones, the solar stick 🌞

What is your work?
Two years ago, I founded my independent formulation laboratory. From a specifications, I develop tailor-made cosmetics formulas for existing brands or project leaders who wish to embark on the creation of products. The property of the formula obtained then belongs to the customer who can subsequently exploit it as he wishes. 

With solar products, we want to be reassured about their effectiveness but also their non-toxicity, on the skin as much as on the environment.
15 years ago, consumers wanted hyper complex formulas highlighting the scientific aspect, currently they are looking for the simplest and clean compositions possible above all. They expect a lot of transparency, even on sourcing the ingredients. With sunglasses, we are beyond the cosmetics, on an essential that affects an area of ​​public health with the consequences of the sun's rays that we know on our skin. We realized that there are a lot of solar on the market for children but applicable only from 3 years old. The real requirement has been to create protection that can be used before 3 years old and that adapts to the needs of the whole family. The idea is of course not to push for overexposure and to always respect the recommendations. We do not voluntarily expose a baby in the sun. But there are always areas like the face, hands, etc. Who find themselves exposed, especially from 1 year, when the baby starts walking.

Based on this observation, what were your constraints? 

The first: high protection; A 50 index was the minimum.
The second concerned the application, since we target a large population. We worked on a texture that applies easily, which does not stick, which does not leave white traces. We had it tested to children: They apply it independently without having their fingers full and can immediately go back to the sand. 

Finally, the third major constraint: consumers expect, even more in solar, formulations in accordance with respect for the environment. To synthesize our specifications: solar, for babies and children like their parents, while respecting the environment. A hell of a challenge!

Conclusion, what do you think of the result? 

I am very satisfied! I had already worked on solar, but never with all these constraints and such strict specifications. We managed to meet all the requirements, to have the application validated by a toxicologist from the age of 6 months. To be a continuation of my day products, it was necessary to keep the pleasure in use. On find a little touch of the Monjour fragrance, twisted by the scent of sunglasses: I find the smell divine! As for the ultra practical Stick format, it allows a localized application and it is very easy to transport, very aesthetic: we slide it in your handbag, and we want to take it out!

Now that you know everything about its little story, you can get your solar stick, the ideal companion for your summer vacation! 

The Monjour team