Photostability study of commercial sunscreens submitted to artificial UV irradiation and/or fluorescent radiation

Abstract

Sunscreens contain molecules with the ability to absorb and/or reflect UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) radiation, thereby preventing this radiation from reaching the epidermis or dermis. Their photo stabilities after exposure to UV radiation are well known and described, but there is little data on the stability of these filters after fluorescent indoors light radiation, such as from light emitted by commercial lamps present in homes and offices. Those lamps can expose people to varying levels of UVB, UVA, visible light, and IR (infrared). This study assesses the photostability of four different commercial products containing chemical sun filters after artificial UV and fluorescent irradiation, correlating the UVB and UVA absorption efficiencies of each product against the different types of radiation. The tested products were applied on a plate of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and irradiated by a solar simulator with specific filters for UVA and UVB and a commercial fluorescent light source. According to the results, three formulations did not show photostability, suffering significant changes in their UV absorption spectra, and one of the selected formulations can be considered photostable. This reinforces the importance of conducting stability studies for sunscreen formulations in different conditions, including under artificial (indoor) light exposure.