Formulation and Evaluation of a Sunscreen Ingredient

Sunscreen is essential to protect skin from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause oxidative stress, aging, and skin cancer. UV exposure generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), increasing damage risk, especially in children. Ascorbic acid and Tocotrienols offer potent antioxidant protection by neutralizing ROS. Natural vegetable oils like Olive oil, Almond oil and Sesame oil contribute to SPF, nourish skin, and improve vitamin penetration. Using such oils reduces the need for organic UV filters, minimizing adverse effects and meeting consumer demand for safe and natural sunscreen. The aim of the present research work was to develop a “Sunscreen ingredient” that can be incorporated in any base to form a “Sunscreen” for kids (age 12 years and onwards). Oil- in- Water (O/ W) emulsion was prepared as Sunscreen Ingredient. Emulsion preparation was carried out in multiple steps like, selection of surfactant combination, determination of quantity of oil that can be loaded in emulsion, minimizing quantities of surfactant mixture in emulsion and optimization of oil ratio for maximizing SPF. The Optimized Sunscreen ingredient was formulated and incorporated in the Vanishing cream base, thus developing Prototype formulation. Both Optimized Sunscreen ingredient and Prototype formulation were subjected to various evaluation tests like in-vitro SPF, antioxidant activity, pH, accelerated stability studies, etc. Both demonstrated satisfactory results.