Sun Protection Factor Research Articles

Encapsulation of Microalgae Tisochrysis lutea Extract in Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) and Evaluation of Their Sunscreen, Wound Healing, and Skin Hydration Properties

Traditional sunscreens have relied on synthetic compounds to protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, there is increasing interest in utilizing the natural photoprotective properties of microalgae extracts. This approach does not only aim to enhance the stability and efficacy of sun protection formulae but also seeks to reduce the reliance on synthetic sunscreens. This study investigates the encapsulation of Tisochrysis lutea extract (TL) in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to create a combination (NLC-TL) with enhanced physicochemical stability, antioxidant activity, SPF efficacy, wound healing capacity, and skin hydration. The particle size and ζ-potential were approximately 100 nm and −50 mV, respectively, and both formulations successfully passed the stability tests. The antioxidant activity, measured via DPPH assay, revealed that NLC-TL achieved the highest free radical scavenging activity across all tested concentrations, indicating a synergistic effect. The incorporation of TL in NLCs maintained the sun protection factor (SPF) of a 2% extract solution (1.53 ± 0.13). The wound healing assay indicated that NLC-TLs significantly enhanced wound closure compared to controls and TL alone. Additionally, skin hydration tests on healthy volunteers revealed that NLC-TLs provided superior and sustained hydration effects. These results highlight NLC-TLs’ potential as a multifunctional topical agent for cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

Exploring dermatological applications of Ammoides pusilla essential oil: evaluation of anti-aging, dermatoprotective and antimicrobial properties against dermatopathogenic microorganisms

The aim of this study was the phytochemical characterization of essential oil extracted from the aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) of Ammoides pusilla (Brot.) Breistr (APEO) by use of GC–MS. Importantly, GC–MS results revealed that APEO oil composed of 10 terpene compounds, of which carvacrol (52.84%), d-limonene (17.78%), β-Cymene (13.18%) and γ-Terpinene (8.46%) predominate. These compounds are recognized for their important biological properties. APEO demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity, outperforming positive controls in all cases. Inhibition diameters ranged from 30.20 mm against Candida glabrata to 49.80 mm against Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.25% against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus to 4.00% against Candida glabrata. This antimicrobial efficacy is attributed to the oil's rich bioactive molecules. The essential oil also showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of anti-tyrosinase activity, with IC50 of 29.59 ± 1.89 µg/mL for monophenolase activity and 17.56 ± 0.76 µg/mL for diphenolase activity. At the same time, APEO showed significant inhibition of elastase, with an IC50 of 20.90 ± 3.16 µg/mL. The sun protection factor (SPF) of the essential oil was determined to be 4.323. This SPF value corresponds to an estimated 76.88% effectiveness in blocking UVB radiation. These results suggest that APEO possesses promising dermatoprotective and anti-aging properties. In conclusion, APEO exhibits notable antimicrobial, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities, paving the way for new natural therapeutic options for skin problems, with anti-aging and dermatoprotective dermal applications.

Improving Outdoor Thermal Comfort for Agricultural Workers: A Study of Heat Stress Relief Measures Using Sun Protection Lotions

The entire study was carried out on a group of 100 female farm workers at the CTAE university campus in Udaipur during the wheat crop harvesting season, with the aim of examining the effectiveness of various heat stress relief measures (sun protection lotion with different sun protection factors, SPF) in improving outdoor thermal comfort. The experiments were designed to assess the average skin temperature of Indian female farm workers under five fixed Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) conditions (28, 29, 30, 31, 32°C), all falling within the heat stress category as per American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standards. The mean skin temperature was determined using the Hardy du-bois 7-point model formula, which involved measuring the mean temperature of specific body parts of the 100 female farm workers. A variation of ± 0.5°C was considered due to the challenge of achieving precise thermal conditions in open field settings. The experiment aimed to evaluate the thermal and physiological responses of the participants. The findings revealed that the use of sun protection lotion alone resulted in increased cooling effect, thereby expanding the thermal comfort range. Additionally, the application of sun protection lotion alone reduced the mean skin temperature by 0.39, 0.38, 0.36, 0.30, 0.27°C by the end of the work period.

Stachys byzantina K. Koch (Lamiaceae) as a potential ingredient for delaying skin ageing and treating hyperpigmentation disorders in pharmaceutical products.

This study aimed to investigate whether the plant species Stachys byzantina produces bioactives with the potential to delay the skin ageing process and treat hyperpigmentation conditions. The antioxidant action was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradical scavenging, Griess reaction, oxygen radical absorption capacity, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Inhibitory activities for tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, and elastase enzymes were tested. The antiglycation activity, the sun protection factor (SPF), and the toxicity to skin cells by MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)assay were also evaluated. The ethanolic extract of S. byzantina aerial parts and all fractions obtained by solvent partition inhibited the tyrosinase enzyme at different levels. The dichloromethane fraction (DF) demonstrated the highest inhibition (IC50 = 63.5±10.9 µg/ml). DF also inhibited the hyaluronidase enzyme with IC50 = 369±11.64 μg/ml and elastase by 40% at 500 μg/ml. This fraction showed prominent antioxidant and antiglycation activities, high SPF, and no cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than 50 μg/ml. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were 116.30±6.7 (mgTAE/g) and 66.38±13.5 (mgQE/g), respectively. Chlorogenic acid (23.54±2.46mg/g) and verbascoside (203.97±19.8mg/g) were identified and quantified. Stachys byzantina is a potential source of cosmetic and therapeutic ingredients to reduce hyperpigmentation and the impacts caused by free radicals, advanced glycation end products, and sun radiation in skin ageing.

Assessment of sun protection factors in the Irish adult population following the SunSmart Campaign 2023.

SunSmart is the National Cancer Control Programme's annual skin cancer prevention awareness campaign. This study aimed to assess sun protection attitudes following the 2023 campaign, and compare findings to 2022. An online survey was conducted in September 2023, a repeat of the 2022 survey. Data were collated and analysed in Excel. In 2023, 48% (n=480) adults reported being sunburnt that summer. Younger adults were more likely than older adults to report sunburn (62% v 28% p<0.001). In assessing the "SunSmart 5s": 94% rated sunscreen, 88% rated shade, 84% rated hats, 71% rated long sleeves, and 70% rated sunglasses as important. Older adults were more likely than younger adults to rate each factor as important. A higher proportion reported each factor as important compared to 2022. Awareness of the campaign increased, 32% having heard of SunSmart, compared to 21% in 2022 (p<0.001). Awareness was higher in older adults (39% v 21% p<0.001), and in those who reported no sunburn (34% v 30% p=0.023). Awareness of SunSmart and perceived importance of the sun protection factors have improved since 2022, with perceived importance of the "SunSmart 5s" reasonably high. Reaching younger adults and improving their sun protection behaviours remain areas for progress.

Photoprotective Effects of Yeast Pulcherrimin.

Sunscreen products can protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation, including reddening, aging, and cancer. The aim of this research was to evaluate the photoprotective effects of yeast pulcherrimin, an iron-chelating dipeptide. We first investigated the cytotoxicity of pulcherrimin produced by Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeast on the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line, using the PrestoBlue assay. We assessed the ability of pulcherrimin to induce DNA repair after the exposure of HaCaT cells to oxidative stress. We also evaluated its protective activity against UVC radiation. The sun protective factor (SPF) was calculated using the Mansur equation. The UVA/UVB ratio values for pure pulcherrimin were evaluated using the Boots Star Rating system. The critical wavelength was determined by calculating the integrated optical density curve area. Based on the results, pulcherrimin shows strong cytoprotective effects through antioxidant and photoprotective activities on the HaCaT cell line. The calculated SPFs were 20 and 15 at pH = 7 and pH = 10, respectively. The critical wavelength above 370 nm and the UVA/UVB ratio R > 1 suggest that yeast pulcherrimin-a cyclic dipeptide containing iron-may be considered a promising photoprotective agent.

Algerian vine canes as a good source of phenolic compounds for several in vitro biological activities

&lt;p&gt;One of the most widely cultivated crops in the world is grapevine knowing that about 77.8 million tons of grapes are produced worldwide each year. Both of vine growing, pruning, and winemaking generate a vast quantity of wastes and byproducts such as skin, seed, and canes. Grape canes include a wide range of phenolic profiles which have several biological effects. In the present study four vine Algerian grape cane cultivars were selected for the evaluation of their phenolic contents and biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, in vitro antioxidant activity (using DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power methods), enzyme inhibitory activity (towards alpha amylase, and urease) anti-inflammatory activity, and sun protection factor of each extract. All grape extracts were compared for their TPC and TFC values which ranged from 123 to 288 mg of Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract to 24.5 to 55.6 mg of quercetin equivalent (QCE)/g extract respectively. The highest TPC and TFC were found in the grape cultivar FR (288.8 mg GAE/g extract, 55,625 mg QCE/g extract respectively). The results revealed also that all extracts showed high antioxidant with the same trend of phenolic composition and significant enzymatic activity in all tests. Additionally, all extracts showed a moderate anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the denaturation of BSA, and given a high sun protection factor. These findings imply that grape canes which considered as undervalued parts have a significant potential to be used as a natural treatment for many physiological diseases and for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sector and medical research.&lt;/p&gt;

Sun-protection factor of zinc-oxide sunscreens: SPFin vitro too low compared to SPFin vivo—a brief review

Sunscreens are mainly characterized by their sun-protection factor (SPF), which is measured according to the in vivo gold standard ISO 24444. Although the SPF concept is simple, SPF values are difficult to measure, due to the rather high variability caused by the complex interaction of light and skin. For half a century, there have been attempts to correlate the costly and ethically controversial in vivo procedure with a non-invasive (in vitro) method. After decades of development, alternative non-invasive SPF methods are expected to become available as ISO standards in early 2025. In particular, sunscreen manufacturers who use zinc oxide (ZnO) in higher concentrations (conc.) (10–25%) in their formulations, are concerned that these new in vitro methods would not confirm the SPF-values on their labels that have been determined in vivo, according to ISO 24444. This brief review reveals that sunscreen formulations with high conc. of ZnO often yield SPFin vitro values that are lower than the SPFin vivo values. This can be explained by the fact that in vitro methods have been developed for conventional emulsions products with organic UV filters, but not for highly concentrated ZnO-alone sunscreens. Fortunately, there seems to be a fix for this problem. There is a difference in density between ordinary emulsions with organic filters (density of the residual oil phase ~ 1.0 g/ml) and highly concentrated ZnO-alone formulations (~ 1.3–1.7 g/ml). As the application of current standards is weight-based, this makes the film on the PMMA plate much thinner, which is likely to lead to lower SPFin vitro values. Preliminary experiments show that using the same volume on the PMMA plates instead of the same weight as organic UV filters gives a much better correlation between in vitro and in vivo SPF results. A recent evaluation of three samples of highly concentrated ZnO sunscreens by the Dutch NVWA seems to confirm these findings. Further experimental evidence is required to fully understand this phenomenon and to adapt the in vitro method for higher conc. ZnO formulations accordingly.

Determination of Biological Activity of Hylocereus polyrhizus Methanol Extracts: Antimicrobial Activity, Probiotic-Promoting Effect, Photoprotective Activity

In our study, the biological activity of Hylocereus polyrhizus obtained from Türkiye was determined. Firstly, antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts obtained from H. polyrhizus against test microorganisms was determined by disc diffusion susceptibility assay, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal or bactericidal concentration (MFC or MBC) tests. Then, viable cell counting against Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 using the macro-dilution method was used to determine the probiotic-promoting effect of the fruit extracts. Finally, the photo-protective activity of the extracts and extract-cream mixtures was obtained spectrophotometrically. The inhibition zone diameter of the peel extract against the test microorganisms is in the range of 9.60-12.37 mm and the fruit extract is in the range of 7.85-12.00 mm. MBC values ranged from 40 µg/µl to 80 µg/µl in peel extract and between 10 µg/µl and &gt;80 µg/µl in the fruit extract. The inhibition zone diameters of the extracts against probiotics were determined as 6.10 -10.25 mm. As a result of the viable cell count, the viability rate of L. fermentum MA-7 increased as the fruit methanol extract concentration and time increased. The photoprotective activities of the peel and fruit extracts were determined as 13.17 and 12.26. It was determined that the extracts increased sun protection factor (SPF) value of the cream. The results indicated that H. polyrhizus extracts may have potential for use in the nutraceutical products, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

The Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Essential Oil as Sunscreen and Anti-Aging Agents: An In Vitro and In Silico Study

The earth thermal conditions increase exposure to sunlight, triggering skin damage. The skin has defense mechanisms but needs additional protection to prevent photoaging. Using sunscreen is an effort to reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure. Natural ingredients with antioxidant activity can be developed into sunscreen and antiaging products, including cloves. This study aims to assess the antioxidant, sun protection, and anti-aging properties of essential oils derived from clove leaves and buds. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH system and then formulated into 5 and 10 % clove leaves cream, as well as 5 and 10 % clove bud cream. The SPF values were assessed using a spectrophotometer and the Mansur formula. The antiaging potential was assessed using the in silico method with MMP-1 protein employing the Auto Dock Vina software, followed by analysis and visualization using BIOVIA Discovery Studio. The essential oils from clove leaves and buds have DPPH IC50 values of 23.09 and 30.31 ppm. The SPF values of clove leaves essential oil, 5 % leaves cream, and 10 % leaves cream are 38.61, 14.32, and 22.15. Meanwhile, the SPF values of clove bud essential oil, 5 % bud cream, and 10 % bud cream are 38.19, 9.32, and 18.16. The in silico test revealed that caryophyllene, eugenol, humulene, and phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl), acetate) have strong interactions because they can interact with the active site of proteins using hydrogen, hydrophobic, and van der Waals bonds. The essential oils from clove leaves and buds exhibit very strong antioxidant activity and offer ultra-protection as a sunscreen. The cream formulations still exhibit sunscreen activity, albeit at a lower level compared to pure essential oil. Caryophyllene, eugenol, humulene, and phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-, acetate), have potential as antiaging agents, as indicated by their binding affinity and chemical bond interactions observed in the in silico test. HIGHLIGHTS Clove buds and leaves exhibit antioxidant properties. Essential oil from clove buds and leaves demonstrates a substantial Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The compounds contained in clove essential oil exhibit promise as prospective agents in anti-aging applications. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-pectin fabricated nanoemulsion for ethylhexyl triazone topical delivery

This study aimed to investigate the stability of nanoemulsions for the UVB filter, ethylhexyl triazone (EHT) encapsulation followed by fabrication with chitosan and pectin. Four formulations were developed to assess the influence of hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) values on nanoemulsion stability for EHT encapsulation, targeting high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values. The selected nanoemulsion was then subjected to fabrication with chitosan and pectin, followed by physical characterization and rheological behaviour study. Results indicated that all nanoemulsions exhibited particle sizes ranging from 137.7 nm to 206.0 nm and high entrapment efficiency from 88.76 % to 91.98 %. Sample N3, containing 1 % Tween 20 and 2 % polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 with HLB of 12, demonstrated the highest stability, yielding a significantly elevated SPF value (10.33). Moreover, polymer-coated nanoemulsions with a low concentration of chitosan (0.1 %) showed enhanced stability when combined with different percentages of pectin. Polymer-coated nanoemulsions indicated shear-thinning behaviour at lower shear rates to Newtonian flow at higher shear rate. Furthermore, both polymer-coated and uncoated nanoemulsions exhibited decreased viscosity with increasing temperature. Also, polymer-coated nanoemulsions was found to enhance the sustainable release of EHT. These findings demonstrated the potential of polymer-coated nanoemulsions for skin application, offering enhanced stability and improved flow behaviour. The design of polymer-coated nanoemulsions could potentially minimize the risks of accumulation and toxicity of UV filters by providing a sustainable release behaviour.

Chemical composition and potential pharmacological applications of Centaurea acaulis L.

Our study aimed to characterize the composition of the ethyl acetate extract obtained from Centaurea acaulis L. and assess its dermatoprotective and antioxidant properties. The secondary metabolite composition was established by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity was assessed using four different assays, including DPPH, β-carotene, CUPRAC, and reducing power assays. Furthermore, the in vitro photoprotective effect was evaluated by measuring sun protection. The HPLC-TOF/MS analysis identified the presence of 19 bioactive compounds in the ethyl acetate extract. Major components such as rosmarinic acid and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid were detected, along with other compounds including caffeic acid, cichoric acid, gentisic acid, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, vanilic acid, gallic acid, apigenin-7-glucoside, catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin. The ethyl acetate extract of Centaurea acaulis L. exhibited strong antioxidant activity in DPPH, β-carotene, CUPRAC, and reducing power assays, outperforming standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tannic acid, and ascorbic acid. Additionally, the extract demonstrated a high ability to absorb UV radiation, with an average sun protection factor of 40.20 ± 0.11. These findings highlight the significant antioxidant and dermatoprotective potential of the ethyl acetate extract from Centaurea acaulis L., suggesting its potential use in cosmetic and dietary additive formulations.

DEVELOPMENT OF SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS CONTAINING Stichopus hermanii Semper, 1868

Prolonged radiation from UV sunlight has been known to be responsible for skin damage. Sunscreen has been used to limit sun exposure. Sunscreen with natural ingredients has the potential to be developed along with the issue of side effects of synthetic ingredients. This study aimed to develop a zooceuticals sunscreen cream containing a Stichopus hermanii Semper, 1868 extracts. The sunscreen creams were formulated with various ingredients of extract include 0.05 (F1), 0.1 (F2), and 0.2 (F3) %, respectively. The in vitro sun protection factor, organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion of the creams were evaluated. F3 met the requirements of physical properties. The extract show sun-protective efficacy with SPF value of 2.11 (F1), 3.09 (F2), and 3.46 (F3). Sunscreen containing 0.2% of Stichopus herrmanni extract is the most preferred formulation with minimal protection category. Keywords: Sea Cucumber, Stichopus hermanii Semper, 1868, Sunscreen.

Isolation of valuable substances from berry seeds and pomace by the green high-pressure methods, their evaluation and application in cosmetic creams

Berry seeds and pomace generated as a by-product of fruit processing contain valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds; however, nowadays it is inefficiently recycled or even discarded as a waste. Valorisation of such by-products for the development of higher value ingredients would substantially increase the sustainability of the sector. For this purpose, green extraction methods with supercritical CO2 (SFE-CO2) and pressurized liquid (PLE) extraction with hydro-ethanol were consecutively applied to strawberry, blackberry and elderberry seeds and rowanberry pomace for the isolation of lipophilic and higher polarity substances. SFE-CO2 extracts were rich in unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, 10.76 − 23.25 %; linoleic, 39.11 −59.74 %; linolenic, 1.32 − 43.83 %), tocopherols (31 – 637 μg/g), phytosterols (1992 – 3775 μg/g), carotenoids (65.06 – 2147 μg β-carotene/g) and chlorophylls (27.95 – 130.4 μg/g). Anthocyanins (22.7 – 697.6 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents/100 g), flavonoids (2.75 – 7.43 mg quercetin eqv./g), proanthocyanidins (122.2 – 199.4 catechin monohydrate eqv./g), antioxidant and antibacterial properties were evaluated for the PLE extracts. The extracts were tested in cosmetic creams at 2 % concentrations and strawberry seed extracts were selected for the evaluation of cream properties. In general, PLE extract addition had slight effect on antioxidant properties and sun protection factor of creams. However, considering the presence of high value constituents both in the lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts and the studies showing the benefits of the use of these constituents in cosmetic products, it may be expected that the extracts may be promising ingredients in developing new natural cosmetic products, including cosmeceuticals. In addition, the extracts may be promising ingredients in the formulation of nutraceuticals.

Bioactive potential of Algerian Citrullus colocynthis resin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

This study explored the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties of Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin from Algeria. A range of assays were conducted to assess these bioactivities, including DPPH• radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS+, haemolysis, and anti-inflammatory tests. The resin extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 0.674 ± 0.016 mg/mL for DPPH scavenging, a TAC value of 0.064 ± 0.004 mg E A as/mg Ex, and an FRAP EC50 of 0.476 ± 0.09 mg/mL. The ABTS+ assay revealed an IC50 of 0.067 ± 0.009 mg/mL. In the haemolysis test, the IC50 was 0.413 ± 0.005 mg/mL, while albumin denaturation assays indicated significant anti-inflammatory effects, with values of 1.37 mg E Dc/mg Ex for human serum albumin and an IC50 of 0.472 ± 0.037 mg/mL for egg albumin. Photoprotective activity was also demonstrated, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 14.6196. Phenolic compounds such as vanillic acid and naringin were identified in the extracts, contributing to the bioactive properties. These findings suggest that Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin is a promising source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics.

Botánica aplicada: radiación UV-B para la obtención de brotes de quinua enriquecidos en compuestos fenólicos, con probables usos en protectores solares naturales o como alimentos funcionales

The objective was to evaluate the use of a microgreen system and very short UV-B radiation dose to obtain plant biomass as a source for phenol-enriched extracts with probable cosmetic and/or food uses. Quinoa seedlings, a native species of the Andes, of two different ages were used. The seedlings were irradiated with different doses of UV-B and then evaluated by quantifying indicators of oxidative damage. Also, the contents of phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant capacity, and sun protection factor were determined. The results showed that the youngest seedlings responded better to short UVB doses, increasing the content of soluble and insoluble phenols, without showing oxidative damage. These results were correlated with the greater antioxidant power of the extracts and an intermediate sun protection factor. We conclude that this species, grown in a microgreen system, is a promising alternative to obtain phenol-enriched extracts with possible use in formulations of natural sunscreens. In this sense, these results can serve as a starting point for optimization studies through the response surface methodology.

Investigation of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of Raspberry Seed Oil, Niacinamide and Zinc Oxide in Combination for their Possible Use in a Sunscreen Formulation

Introduction: The Ultra Violet (UV) radiations emitted from the sun have several negative effects on the skin of humans. Some of the harmful effects of the UV rays are redness, skin inflammation, rashes, sunburn, wrinkles, photoaging and skin cancer. It is very important to block or reflect UV rays due to the rising cases of skin cancers secondary to UV damage. Sunscreens are presently one of the preferred and predominant modes of sun protection and must be broad spectrum to be able to block both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Objectives: The primary objective of our project is to assess the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a combination of three active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Niacinamide, and Raspberry Seed Oil (RSO). Methods: Seven samples were prepared, where sample 1 - 6 contains different combinations of these three active ingredients and sample 7 which contains only RSO (10%). The SPF of the seven samples was measured according to the standard procedure using an UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The SPF values were then calculated using the Mansur equation. Results: The result revealed that the SPF of the formulation were below 30 therefore average photoprotective activity was observed. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the formulations were not able to provide sufficient protection from the UV rays.

Sustainable design and synthesis of high-performance lignin-based sunscreen ingredients

The active ingredients most commonly employed in sunscreens are compounds containing one or two aromatic rings. Lignin is the most abundant renewable aromatic polymer that has the potential to yield low molecular weight aromatic chemicals when strategically depolymerized. Here, the UV absorbance of a series of monomeric and dimeric lignin model compounds (LMCs) were studied. Specifically, vanillin and ferulic acid demonstrated good absorption in the UVB (280–320 nm) range, while the 5–5 dimer showed efficient absorption in the UVA (320–400 nm) range. Based on this, vanillin, ferulic acid and 5–5 dimer were mixed in pairs and dispersed in the oily isoeugenol to prepare LMC hybrid dispersions. Subsequently, demethylated lignin (DL) was synthesized and used to encapsulate the LMC hybrid dispersions via ultrasonic cavitation to prepare DL-based nano-capsules (DLNCs). The DLNCs were used as the only active ingredient in sunscreens, whose sun protection factor (SPF) value could be up to 55 with a dosage of 10 wt%. Due to anti-photolysis property of DL, the SPF value of DLNCs-based sunscreens increased initially and maintained >8 h under UV irradiation. Additionally, the prepared DLNCs exhibited excellent anti-permeability, antioxidant capacity and biocompatibility, making them a potential substitute for conventional petroleum-based sunscreen agents.

Effect of Ozonation on Physicochemical Properties of Olive Oil Based Sunscreen Product

ABSTRACT Ozone serves as a potent oxidizing agent and a universal antiseptic, extensively employed in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to its ability to dissolve in water and decompose into oxygen. This study aimed to treat virgin olive oil (VOO) with the ozonation process prior to its incorporation into a sunscreen product, and to discover any new potentially useful properties by comparing it with a sunscreen containing non-ozonated olive oil. The comparison was based on physicochemical properties, physical appearance, and sun protection factor (SPF) value. VOO treated with 0.017 mole/L ozone was tested for various physicochemical properties such as color, viscosity, refractive index, acid value, iodine value, peroxide value, saponification value, and oxidative stability. The composition was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The properties of ozonated olive oil (OOO) differed from VOO in terms of viscosity and flow behavior. An increase in shear rate significantly reduced the viscosity of OOO, while VOO maintained a constant viscosity and exhibited Newtonian flow behavior. When OOO was incorporated into sunscreen products, it enhanced the spreadability of the product on the skin, resulting in a significantly higher SPF value. The ability of a sunscreen to spread evenly on the skin and form a continuous thin film is crucial for effective protection against the sun’s rays. These findings highlight the potential of OOO in enhancing the photoprotection efficacy of sunscreen products by providing valuable data for its incorporation into formulations aiming to improve sun protection. Future research could focus on long-term stability and potential side effects of OOO in cosmetic formulations.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Optical Properties of Novel Heterocyclic Azo Dyes and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity as an Active Sunscreen Agent

AbstractWe synthesized some novel isoxazole azo derivatives using conventional methods and studied their linear, non‐linear optical properties and antioxidant activity. UV‐Vis spectroscopy revealed absorption bands ranging from 310–470 nm for the obtained compounds. Compounds 3 c and 3 b, for example, showed a large redshift and solvatochromic behavior. NLO analysis results show that compounds exhibit a greater NLO response than the magnitude of urea done by the DFT method. The electrochemical properties of compounds are studied using cyclic voltammetry and results are used for calculation of HOMO and LUMO experimentally. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized azo dyes displayed that 3 c has excellent antioxidant activity with the highest percentage (71.54605 %) of radical inhibition as compared to reference standard Vit‐C. Molecular docking analysis shows that compounds have a strong binding affinity in the range of −7.0 to −4.6 kcal/mol compared to Vit‐C, which has a binding affinity of −3.6 kcal/mol. The sun protection factor performance was determined by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, and results show that compounds are most effective, exhibit a remarkable SPF value, and offer superior sun protection by absorbing UV rays.