Development, physicochemical characterization and in-vitro evaluation of herbal sunscreen lotion

Ultraviolet radiations have shorter wavelengths and can reach earth’s surface through penetrating clouds. UV-A rays leads to aging while UV-B rays causes burning of skin. Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful effects of sun including appearance of erythema, premature photo-ageing and facilitate to diminish the manifestation of facial red veins and blotchiness. In this investigation, herbal sunscreen was prepared using Shea butter, almond oil, raspberry oil, jojoba oil, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Fabricated lotions were evaluated for physicochemical parameters i.e. color, pH, viscosity and spreadability. Sun protection efficacy of lotion was determined in term of sun protection factor (SPF) by in-vitro spectrophotometric method. Total 10 formulations were made with different compositions F1-F10. The pH of formulations ranges from 6.10 (F6) to 8.34 (F5). The viscosity of formulations ranges from 1500 (F1) to 3586 (F10). The spreadability of formulations ranges from 10.56±0.8 (F1) to 30.65±0.7 (F10). The physicochemical parameters of formulation F6 and F10 were found to be in controlled range justifying its compatibility with skin and confirming good cosmetological property. Stability study of optimized lotion was performed after storage of formulation at 25°C and 60 % RH as well as 40°C and 75 % RH for three months. Stability of lotion was evaluated on the basis of changes in physicochemical parameters i.e. color, pH, viscosity and spreadability and SPF. F10 has SPF value of 15.71±0.07 (medium protection sunscreen). The optimized formulations might provide good moisturizer, emollient, anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle effect with good sun protection.