Abstract

This review covers the latest developments and challenges in the field of broad-spectrum sunscreens and how sunscreens based on lignin address their requirements in terms of sunlight protection, antioxidants, and preservatives.

Highlights

  • Sunlight is the portion of solar electromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface and includes ultraviolet (UVB, 290–320 nm and UVA, 320–400 nm), visual (VIS, 400–700 nm) and infrared (IR, 700–1000 nm) wavelengths, all of which induce photoaging and can cause skin cancer [1,2,3].While limited exposure to sunlight is beneficial [4], clinical investigations support the application of broad-spectrum (UVB + UVA) sunscreens to mitigate the damage associated with prolonged or frequent sun exposure [3].The effectiveness of sunscreens in preventing UVB-induced sunburn is denoted by their SunProtection Factor (SPF)

  • Broad-spectrum chemical sunscreens of SunProtection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher typically contain over 20% of various UVBand UVA-absorbing synthetic organic compounds [5,7], while mineral-based sunscreens usually have somewhat lower levels of titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles that scatter, reflect and absorb UV rays

  • Sunscreen lotions are equipped with synthetic preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, hydroxybenzoates and triclosan to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that would otherwise spoil the sunscreen [19]

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Summary

Background

Sunlight is the portion of solar electromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface and includes ultraviolet (UVB, 290–320 nm and UVA, 320–400 nm), visual (VIS, 400–700 nm) and infrared (IR, 700–1000 nm) wavelengths, all of which induce photoaging and can cause skin cancer [1,2,3]. The effectiveness of sunscreens in preventing UVB-induced sunburn is denoted by their Sun. Protection Factor (SPF). Broad-spectrum sunscreens block a significant portion of the skin-aging UVA radiation. Broad-spectrum chemical sunscreens of SPF 15 or higher typically contain over 20% of various UVBand UVA-absorbing synthetic organic compounds [5,7], while mineral-based (physical) sunscreens usually have somewhat lower levels of titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles that scatter, reflect and absorb UV rays. It should be noted that the so-called herbal or natural sunscreens [8,9], formulated without synthetic chemical UV absorbers, usually contain these metal oxides as the main UV active component while their plant-based components mainly act as antioxidants and emollients. The benefits and challenges of potentially safer lignin-based sunscreens are addressed below

Technical Lignins and Their Effectiveness as Sunscreen UV Absorbers
Effect of Lignin Color on Its Suitability to Sunscreens
Technical Lignins as Sunscreen Antioxidants
Technical Lignins as Sunscreen Preservatives
Safety of Technical Lignins
Findings
Conclusions
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