Sunscreen Properties Research Articles

Evaluation of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) Test for Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) Extract Lip Tint Preparations

A lip tint is a cosmetic preparation that colors lips while shielding them from UV light and free radical damage. The butterfly pea blossom is one plant that possesses sunscreen properties and can be used as a natural dye. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how the concentration of butterfly pea flower extract affects the SPF activity of lip tint products containing this extract. This study's design is entirely random, making it an experimental investigation. The in vitro SPF test results using Uv-Vis spectrophotometry show that at a concentration of 5%, 1.618162 SPF falls into the less group; at a concentration of 10%, 4.770857 SPF falls into the medium category; and at a concentration of 15%, 6.1224069 SPF falls into the extra category. The SPF value of lip tint preparations is influenced by the varied concentrations of butterfly pea flower extract, as indicated by the statistical analysis results, which indicate significant variations between the three concentrations (p<0.05).

Titanium dioxide modified by polydopamine used as stabilizer of Pickering emulsion and characterized for its sunscreen properties

The high hydrophilicity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) caused by surface hydroxyl groups limited their application in Pickering emulsions. Inspired by the structure and function of mussel adhesion protein, polydopamine-modified TiO2 (PDA-TiO2) was successfully prepared in this study. The effect of modified conditions on emulsifying capacity of Pickering emulsions stabilized by PDA-TiO2 were investigated, including pH, material ratio, reaction time, and temperature. The morphology and structure properties of modified TiO2 were characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, UV, TG, XPS, and XRD. The results suggested that PDA were successfully bonded to the TiO2 surface, which might improve the hydrophilicity of TiO2. PDA-TiO2 could stabilized Pickering emulsion with more uniform emulsified drops when m(TiO2)/m(DA) was 1/0.1, the reaction pH was 8.5, the reaction time was 3 h, and the reaction temperature was 50 °C. In addition, the introduction of polydopamine effectively improved the sun protection ability of TiO2. Compared to traditional sunscreen emulsion, Pickering emulsion stabilized by polydopamine-modified TiO2 could increase the sunscreen value by 55%, which broadened its application in cosmetic and other fields.

A Literature Review On the Formulation, Characterization, and Stability of Cinnamomum burmannii Emulgel Extract as an Antioxidant and Sunscreen

Emulgel is a pharmaceutical formulation that integrates the characteristics of both emulsions and gels, resulting in a semisolid product. The utilization of emulgel formulations has been shown to enhance the efficacy of drug delivery by facilitating deeper skin penetration and subsequently augmenting its pharmacological activity. The antioxidant and sunscreen properties of cinnamon bark extract make it suitable for incorporation into an emulgel formulation. Variations in the concentration of extracts and gelling agents can have an impact on the physical properties, stability, and pharmacological efficacy of the emulgel. The objective of this review is to ascertain the optimal concentrations of extracts and gelling agents in emulgel formulations for enhanced efficacy. The employed methodology entails conducting a comprehensive review of scholarly articles pertaining to emulgel formulations containing cinnamon bark extract. These formulations encompass a range of concentrations of both the extract itself and gelling agents, while also possessing antioxidant and sunscreen properties. The formulation that is recommended is one that satisfies the criteria pertaining to its physical attributes, stability, and pharmacological efficacy. The emulgel formulation that best meets the specified criteria consists of a 1% concentration of cinnamon bark extract in combination with the gelling agent Viscolam MAC 5%.

Optimization of an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technique and the Effectiveness of the Sunscreen Components Isolated from Bletilla striata.

Bletilla striata is the dried tuber of B. striata (Thund.) Reichb.f., which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant and wound healing effects. Traditionally, it has been used for hemostasis therapy, as well as to treat sores, swelling and chapped skin. In this study, we used the ultraviolet (UV) absorbance rate of B. striata extracts as the index, and the extraction was varied with respect to the solid-liquid ratio, ethanol concentration, ultrasonic time and temperature in order to optimize the extraction process for its sunscreen components. The main compounds in the sunscreen ingredients of Baiji (B. striata) were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The sunscreen properties were subsequently evaluated in vitro using the 3M tape method. The results show that the optimal extraction conditions for the sunscreen components of B. striata were a solid-liquid ratio of 1:40 (g/mL), an ethanol concentration of 50%, an ultrasonic time of 50 min and a temperature of 60 °C. A power of 100 W and an ultrasonic frequency of 40 Hz were used throughout the experiments. Under these optimized conditions, the UV absorption rate of the isolated sunscreen components in the UVB region reached 84.38%, and the RSD was 0.11%. Eighteen compounds were identified, including eleven 2-isobutyl malic acid glucose oxybenzyl esters, four phenanthrenes, two bibenzyl and one α-isobutylmalic acid. An evaluation of the sunscreen properties showed that the average UVB absorption values for the sunscreen samples from different batches of B. striata ranged from 0.727 to 1.201. The sunscreen ingredients of the extracts from B. striata had a good UV absorption capacity in the UVB area, and they were effective in their sunscreen effects under medium-intensity sunlight. Therefore, this study will be an experimental reference for the extraction of sunscreen ingredients from the B. striata plant, and it provides evidence for the future development of B. striata as a candidate cosmetic raw material with UVB protection properties.

Exploring the phytochemical and biological properties of Salsola foetida: a promising wild plant from Southeastern Algeria

ABSTRACT This study presents an initial exploration of the phytochemical composition and biological properties of Salsola foetida, a wild plant native to southeastern Algeria. The investigation encompassed an analysis of the biochemical content, phytochemical profile, and bioactivity of the plant’s aerial parts. The biomass of S. foetida was found to comprise 51.2 ± 0.4% ash, with elemental analysis revealing the presence of carbon, oxygen, calcium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. Carbohydrates were identified as the predominant constituents, surpassing the levels of proteins and lipids. Phytochemical screening, coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) analysis, confirmed the presence of various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids and phenols. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis further delineated a spectrum of phenolic compounds, with rutin emerging as the predominant compound at 1.59 µg/ml. Quantification revealed a noteworthy phenolic content of 67.1 ± 0.2 µg GE/mg ED. The extract exhibited robust radical scavenging effects, with the radical 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 61.8 ± 0.2 μg/ml, along with protective effects against H2O2-induced hemolysis and the ability to reduce ferric ions. Additionally, the extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities. Notably, it exhibited considerable sunscreen properties, boasting a sun protected factor (SPF) value of 21 ± 1. Overall, S. foetida presents promising antioxidant activity and a spectrum of potential biological activities, underscoring its significance as a novel antioxidant candidate for applications in animal nutrition, medicine, and natural product research.

Ex vivo UV-C Protective Effect of Aloe vera

Chronic exposure to UV-C can cause sunburn, skin cancer, oxidative stress as well as photo-aging. Many herbs and plant extracts have recently been recognized as a potential source of sunscreen due to their UV-absorbing properties. Aloe vera L., which has been used for therapeutic purposes by humans for centuries, is also among these plants. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the sunscreen properties of the latex and gel parts of A. vera and the effect of these properties on cells exposed to UV rays. In this study, primarily, the lethal effect of UV-C rays on healthy cells was observed over time. Then, the latex and gel parts of the obtained A. vera plant were separated and spread on the surface of petri dishes as a single and double layer. By adding a determined number of cells of the petri dishes, the protection of A. vera against the lethal effect of 1, 1.5 and 2 hours of UV-C exposure was investigated. According to the study findings, it was determined that both parts of A. vera protect cells against UV-C damage. It is quite remarkable that while all the cells in the control group died as a result of UV-C exposure for 2 hours, vitality was still observed in the double layer latex and gel groups. From this point of view, it has been shown in this study that a protective product that can be made using A. vera can prevent the damages that may develop due to UV-C exposure.

Potential of Herbal Extracts as Sunscreens and Antihyperpigmentation Treatment

Background: Skin pigmentation is one of the most serious problems in the adult population of all races. The underlying factors of skin pigmentation are excessive exposure to UV radiation, oxidative stress, and other provocative causes that cause melasma, black spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hence, treating hyperpigmentation disorders is challenging. Objective: Skin pigmentation occurs as a process of melanin biosynthesis triggered by UV exposure. Tyrosinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the rate-confining step in melanogenesis, if inhibited, can cause skin hypopigmentation. This has evoked an interest in reviewing plant extracts/ phytoconstituents, which can serve the purpose of sun protection and treat hyperpigmentation, ensuring skin glow for a better quality of life. Methods: A literature search on Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was done using various keywords like hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin-lightening agents, and sunscreen. Results: Sun protection products for canopy with photo-aging and skin pigmentation are recommended. Tyrosinase inhibitors are first-line topical medicines available as single or combined topical formulations. Hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroids, and kojic acid are clinically proven as exceptionally powerful. However, the adverse effects reported with these small molecules largely impact skin appearance, dermatitis, and exogenous ochronosis. Currently, there is a rising trend towards comfortable, fascinating, and well-endured skin depigmenting agents from natural products that might be utilized by a wide populace. Conclusion: This present study aimed at exploring plant and fruit extracts together with their active ingredients as potential multitargeted anti-hyperpigmentation agents with sunscreen properties, tyrosinase inhibition, and skin whitening effects.

Catching nano: Evaluating the fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2 in swimming pools through dynamic simulation modelling

Engineered titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) in consumer products such as sunscreens widely used by swimmers in aquatic settings have raised concerns about their potential adverse impact on ecosystems and human health due to their small size and unique physicochemical properties. Therefore, this research paper aims to investigate the fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2 from sunscreens in swimming pools using System Dynamics Modelling. The study developed a dynamic simulation model that considers various factors, including weather conditions, sunscreen and pool usage behaviour, filtration efficacy, pool maintenance, water chemistry, pool chemicals, and TiO2 concentration levels, which can affect exposure levels for different scenarios. The study considered non-linear interdependent relationships, feedback structures, and temporal changes and dealt with parameter uncertainties through Monte Carlo analyses. The results reveal that the regular use of sunscreen leads to nano-TiO2 concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.05 mg/L within a year, reflecting seasonal and pool usage variations. The study also found that changes in the weight percentage of TiO2 in the sunscreen formulation and the filtration duration per day are the most sensitive factors affecting TiO2 concentrations. Scenario analyses exploring different nano-TiO2 removal strategies suggested that one daily turnover is necessary for sufficient removal. Regular manual pool maintenance and monthly use of a pool clarifier are recommended for enhanced and accelerated removal without substantial additional costs. The study is novel in its integrated approach, combining empirical work with dynamic simulations, resulting in a novel approach to model the environmental fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2. The study makes important methodological contributions to the field and has initiated an interdisciplinary collaboration to create more accurate models. This study is of great significance as it presents a pioneering analysis of the impact of sunscreen properties, user behaviour, and environmental stressors on the fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2 in swimming pools.

Cross-Species Metabolomic Analyses inthe Brassicaceae Reveals Common Responses to Ultraviolet-B Exposure.

Exposure to UV-B radiation, an intrinsic component of solar light, is detrimental to all living organisms as chromophore units of DNA, RNA and proteins readily absorb high-energy photons. Indirect damage to the same molecules and lipids is mediated by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, a side effect of exposure to UV-B stress. To protect themselves from UV-B radiation, plants produce phytochemical sunscreens, among which flavonoids have shown to be particularly effective. The core aglycone of flavonoid molecules is subjected to chemical decoration, such as glycosylation and acylation, further improving sunscreen properties. In particular, acylation, which adds a phenolic ring to flavonoid molecules, enhances the spectral absorption of UV-A and UV-B rays, providing to this class of compounds exceptional shielding power. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the responses to UV-B radiation in four Brassicaceae species, including Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus, Brassica oleracea, and Brassica rapa. Our study revealed a complete reprogramming of the central metabolic pathway in response to UV-B radiation characterized by increased production of functional precursors of specialized metabolites with UV-B shielding properties, indicating a targeted effort of plant metabolism to provide increased protection. The analysis of specialized metabolites and transcripts revealed the activation of the phenylpropanoid-acetate pathway, leading to the production of specific classes of flavonoids and a cross-species increase in phenylacylated-flavonoid glucosides with synapoyl glycoside decorations. Interestingly, our analysis also revealed that acyltransferase genes of the class of serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPLs) proteins are costitutively expressed, but downregulated in response to UV-B radiation, possibly independently of the ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) signaling pathway.

Snail mucus as an innovative ingredient used in the cosmetology and medical industry

Snail slime is obtained from Helix aspersa Müller and H. aspersa var. maxima. Two types of mucus are obtained: lymosine and cryptosine, the one used in medicine and cosmetology. The work aimed to present the method of obtaining snail slime, to analyze its qualitative and quantitative composition and properties based on literature data. This raw material, in addition to antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties, also has antioxidant, regenerative, stimulating, moisturizing, nourishing, cleansing, anti-wrinkle and sunscreen properties. This gives the opportunity to widely use mucus in the cosmetic and medical industries.

Active substances of natural origin with photoprotective effects

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is harmful to the human body as it generates free radicals, accelerates the skin aging process, causes discoloration and leads to the cancer development. Year-round protection against these harmful actions is very important. In modern photoprotective cosmetics, there are both mineral and chemical filters. However, natural filters deserve more attention, as they are common ingredients in cosmetic products. The aim of the article was to present selected active substances of natural origin with sunscreen properties. Skin pigmentation, types of photoprotective ingredients and selected natural substances were characterized.

Lignin decolorization in organic solvents and their application in natural sunscreen

In order to improve the utilization of industrial lignin as an effective component for ultraviolet (UV) shielding, organic solvent (methanol, ethanol, and acetone) fractionation was applied to improve its UV absorption performance and reduce its apparent color. Physicochemical properties of lignin and lignin-based sunscreens, such as molar mass fraction, functional group content, color change and UV shielding properties, were characterized in detail by GPC, UV spectroscopy, 31P NMR and HSQC-NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that the color and UV-shielding properties of the soluble fraction were significantly superior to those of the original and insoluble fractions. Different lignin fractions were acted as the only active substance in the pure cream and its UV-shielding properties were compared. Among them, the composite sunscreen by adding 5 wt% acetone fractionated lignin had highest sun protection factor (SPF) value of 6.6, approximately 4.5 times higher than those sunscreens mixed with pristine lignin. Overall, this work offers the potential of industrial lignin in value-added applications such as UV protection and cosmetics.

Development of multifunctional sunscreens: Evaluation of physico-mechanical and film-forming properties

The exposome consists of several factors such as solar radiation and pollution, which can provoke skin damage and lead to premature skin aging. Thus, the use of multifunctional sunscreens is critical in order to prevent this damage. In addition, film formation is very important to reach the expected SPF. Within this context, the objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate the in vivo SPF, sensory, physico-mechanical, and film-forming properties of sunscreens containing a biopolymer from Tara and red algae. A clinical study of the film-forming effect and of skin hydration was performed by instrumental measurements and by biophysical and skin imaging techniques. The SPF of both formulations, with or without the biopolymer, was 45.6. This result was 10.09% higher than expected. higher than expected. However, the sunscreen added to the biopolymer showed better sensory and texture properties, significantly increased skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss. The film-forming property was observed by the analysis of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy images 2, 4, and 6 h after formulation application, and this result was more pronounced for the sunscreen added to the biopolymer. Thus, the film-forming property of the biopolymer was important for prolonging the skin barrier function due to film formation and to obtain more effective and multifunctional sunscreens that provide longer protection.

Revealing the relationship between molecular weight of lignin and its color, UV-protecting property

Lignin has great potential as a natural, green, and sustainable broad-spectrum sunscreen active ingredient. However, the coexistence of dark color and sunscreen properties hinders its application in cosmetics. In this study, we focus on the effects of the molecular weight of lignin on tis UV-protecting property and color in order to prepare lignin-based sunscreen with high performance. A prepared sunscreen containing low molecular weight lignin (F5, <1000 g/mol) exhibits good UV-protecting property (sun protection factor (SPF) = 7.14) and light color advantages (ΔE = 46.2). Moreover, a strong synergistic effect on UV-protecting property exists between low molecular weight lignin and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), resulting in high SPF of F5@EHMC-based sunscreen (55.56). Additionally, added TiO2 can efficiently mitigate the dark color of lignin-based sunscreens due to prominent covering power of TiO2. Moreover, lignin-based sunscreens have good biocompatibility with HaCaT cells. This work is useful for understanding the mechanism of the UV-protecting property and dark color of lignin, and for designing an efficient and safe lignin-based sunscreen.

Development of Sunscreen Containing Alpha-Mangostin Riched Extract with Anti-Tyrosinase Activities

Abstract This study focused on the development of extracts from mangosteen rinds for use as whitening and sunscreen agents. Mangosteen rinds were obtained from 9 locations in the East and the South of Thailand. Ethanol (95%) crude rind extracts were prepared and separated by column chromatography. The fractions were collected from top (F1-F4) and mid spots (F12-F15). These fractions were subjected to tyrosinase inhibitory activity assay and found that the top spot exhibited low activity with IC50 &gt; 100 µg/mL while the mid spots inhibited tyrosinase enzyme at IC50 18.48 µg/mL which is more sensitive than a positive control, kojic acid (38.46 µg/mL). The mid spots fraction from the crude extract of Chanthaburi sample 1 was analyzed with HPLC and was assigned as MGS-1 extract which contained a high amount of α-mangostin. MGS-1 extract was formulated as oil in water cream with 2, 4, 6, and 9 %w/w extract. All creams were subjected to measure SPF and UVA/UVB ratio using an Optometrics SPF-290S analyzer. It was found that the cream with 6 %w/w MGS-1 extract showed the best results with SPF at 10.36 ± 1.07 and had a UVA/UVB ratio equal to 0.451. These sunscreen properties are close to the properties of Salisol-3 (benzophenone), a standard sunscreen. In conclusion, MGS-1 extract has a good potential to be used as a whitening and sunscreen agent in cosmetics with a lower cost of substrate because mangosteen rinds can be found as waste from eating mangosteen fruit every year in Thailand. Keywords: Mangosteen rind, MGS-1 extract, Tyrosinase inhibition, Whitening agent, Sunscreen

Flower Extracts from Ornamental Plants as Sources of Sunscreen Ingredients: Determination by In Vitro Methods of Photoprotective Efficacy, Antigenotoxicity and Safety.

Plants are sources of sunscreen ingredients that prevent cellular mutations involved in skin cancer and aging. This study investigated the sunscreen properties of the extracts from some ornamental plants growing in Colombia. The UV filter capability of the flower extracts obtained from Rosa centifolia L., Posoqueria latifolia (Rudge) Schult, and Ipomoea horsfalliae Hook. was examined. Photoprotection efficacies were evaluated using in vitro indices such as sun protection factor and critical wavelength. UVB antigenotoxicity estimates measured with the SOS Chromotest were also obtained. Extract cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were studied in human fibroblasts using the trypan blue exclusion and Comet assays, respectively. Major compounds of the promising flower extracts were identified by UHPLC–ESI+–Orbitrap–MS. The studied extracts showed high photoprotection efficacy and antigenotoxicity against UVB radiation, but only the P. latifolia extract showed broad-spectrum photoprotection at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The P. latifolia extract appeared to be safer for human fibroblast cells and the R. centifolia extract was shown to be moderately cytotoxic and genotoxic at the highest assayed concentrations. The I. horsfalliae extract was unequivocally cytotoxic and genotoxic. The major constituents of the promising extracts were as follows: chlorogenic acid, ecdysterone 20E, rhamnetin-rutinoside, cis-resveratrol-diglucoside, trans-resveratrol-diglucoside in P. latifolia; quercetin, quercetin-glucoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-glucoside, and kaempferol-rhamnoside in R. centifolia. The potential of the ornamental plants as sources of sunscreen ingredients was discussed.

Dynamic visualization of ultraviolet dose on skin with sunscreen applied using minimum erythema dose.

Visualizing the ultraviolet (UV) dose on skin serve as an intuitive approach to ensure appropriate sunscreen usage and reduce the risk of erythema. UV dose is determined by a number of external factors, such as properties of sunscreens, weather, and type of outdoor activity. We propose a framework for visualizing UV doses that considers various external factors. First, the skin of a three-dimensional human model was represented using triangular meshes, and various static postures and dynamic motions were simulated to express outdoor activities. Then, we evaluated the persistency and insufficiency properties of sunscreen, which are time dependent and directly affect the effectiveness of the sunscreen skin protection factor (SPF) during UV exposure. Finally, to calculate the UV dose in real time, we tracked the trajectory of the sun and motion of the skin while considering the time-dependent properties of sunscreen. An S/W system was implemented based on the proposed framework to visualize the distribution of UV doses through dynamic color changes in exposed skin areas. The color types include true colors, which represent the minimum erythema dose (MED), and pseudo colors representing states before 1 MED is reached. We devised various examples to discuss the usability of the proposed framework. The system conveniently displays the MED according to an individual's skin phototype. When the properties of a wide range of commercial sunscreens are added to the system database, it is expected that the rate of appropriate sunscreen usage by customers will increase.

Preparation and ultraviolet sunscreen properties of organic-silica hybrid particles encapsulated benzophenone-3

Preparation and ultraviolet sunscreen properties of organic-silica hybrid particles encapsulated benzophenone-3

Preclinical evaluation from in-silico to in-vivo study of polyherbal microsponge sunscreen gel.

Electromagnetic spectrum of the UV region predominantly becomes the reason for skin's detrimental effects that give the genesis of innumerable skin ailments; because of this reason, the sunscreen products are required before condition in day to day lifestyle; products such as moisturizers, lotions, creams, shampoos, and other hair and skin preparations are accessible and accompanied by sunscreen properties, but they do not provide extended effect, also causes side effects due to harsh chemicals. The present study focuses on the effects of polyherbal extracts containing Microsponge gel for the protection of skin from ultraviolet rays. In the present research, already prepared Microsponge gel through quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion (QESD) technique was used for the HPLC, in-silico, in-vitro antioxidant activity, and in-vivo study. AdmetSAR software tool was utilized for the in-silico study, whereas for the in-vivo study, UV radiations are given on Albino rats using solarimeter. Results shown the active constituents are non-carcinogenic and non-toxic; IC50 values show good antioxidant activity and minimal effect of UV radiations after application of the gel formulation on animal skin. The results manifest prominent effects on animal skin further test for presence of ascorbic acid level and total protein in blood further verify the efficacy of the formulation. The study consequently established a strong ground for further extensive clinical studies.

Plants growing in Colombia as sources of active ingredients for sunscreens

Introduction Plants can be sources of photoprotective/antigenotoxic compounds that prevent cellular mutations involved in skin cancer and aging by regulating UV-induced mutability. Purpose The study was aimed at investigating the sunscreen properties of plants growing in Colombia. Materials and Methods Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-absorption capability of different plant extracts was examined. In vitro photoprotection efficacies were evaluated using in vitro indices such as sun protection factor (SPFin vitro) and critical wavelength (λc). Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between SPFin vitro and complementary UVB- antigenotoxicity estimates (%GI) based on SOS Chromotest database. The cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was studied using the trypan blue exclusion assay. Major compounds of promising plant extracts were determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results We showed that plant extracts have sunscreen properties against UVB, whereas broad-spectrum radiation protection efficacy was poor. SPFin vitro and %GI were correlated (R = 0.71, p < 0.0001) for the plant extracts under study. Three extracts obtained from Achyrocline satureioides, Chromolaena pellia, and Lippia origanoides species resulted to possess high protection efficacy and relatively low cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts. These plant extracts contained major compounds such as α-pinene, trans-β-caryophyllene, γ-muurolene, γ-cadinene and caryophyllene oxide in A. Satureioides extract, trans-β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, squalene and α-amyrin in C. pellia extract, and p-cymene, carvacrol, trans-β-caryophyllene and pinocembrin in L. origanoides extract. Conclusions Plants growing in Colombia contain compounds which ca be useful for potential sunscreens. SPFin vitro and %GI estimates were correlated, but %GI estimates were more sensitive detecting activity at lower plant extract concentrations. Our results supported the need to use DNA damage detection assays as a complement to photoprotection efficacy measurement.