Innovative Techniques in Hydrogel-Based Sunscreen Fabrication and Its Application in Healthcare

The biocompatibility, high water retention, and controlled-release characteristics of hydrogels three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers have made them attractive carriers for sunscreen compositions. The hydrogel-based delivery systems can help to address the instability, skin irritation, and environmental issues that traditional sunscreens frequently face. The physical, chemical, radiation-induced, enzyme-assisted methods, electrospinning, and cryogelation are some of the manufacturing methods for hydrogel-based sunscreens that are examined in this review. Incorporating the hydrogels into sunscreen formulations improves skin hydration, increases the effectiveness of UV protection, and prolongs the stability of active components, such as chemical (oxybenzone, avobenzone) and physical (ZnO, TiO2, iron oxide) UV filters. Moreover, hydrogels contain organic antioxidants like betalains and anthocyanins, which prevents photoaging and oxidative stress. Hybrid formulations maximize these bioactive chemicals' bioavailability and photostability including hydrogel sunscreens loaded with nanoliposomes. The development of biodegradable polymers, smart hydrogels, and nanotechnology integration promises for the creation of sunscreens that are both efficient and environmentally benign in the future. By outlining their formulation techniques, drawbacks, and possible applications in the cosmeceutical sector, this paper states the potential of hydrogels as multipurpose sunscreen carriers.