The Impact of Flavonoid-Loaded Nanoparticles in the UV Protection and Safety Profile of Topical Sunscreens

Abstract

Excessive UV radiation exposure is harmful to skin cells since sunburn is accompanied by oxidative burst, leading to a rapid increase in skin cancer. However, the insufficient UV photoprotection of approved sunscreens and the negative impact of their compositions on ecosystems and human health makes the utility of sunscreen a questionable recommendation. Therefore, discovering UV filters with significant antioxidant activity and improved topical performance and photostability is an urgent need. Recently, the use of nanosized natural molecules incorporated in sunscreens has been a scientific hot topic, as it has been suggested that they provide a synergistic effect with synthetic UV filters, improving overall SPF and antioxidant activity, higher retention on the epidermis, and less toxicity. The aim of this review was to verify the usefulness of sunscreens incorporating flavonoid-loaded nanoparticles. A literature review was performed, where original and review articles published in the last 6 years were analyzed. Formulations containing nanosized flavonoids with improved UVA photoprotection and safer toxicological profiles, associated or not with synthetic filters, are promising sunscreens and more clinical investigation must be performed to validate these findings.

Recent developments in sunscreens based on chromophore compounds and nanoparticles

“…31b). 80,81 Metal oxide nanoparticles-based sunscreens offer effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays while being less likely to cause skin irritation compared to chemical sunscreens. However, concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact of metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly in marine ecosystems, and their potential to cause oxidative stress in cells.…”

Would be Rutin a Feasible Strategy for Environmental-Friendly Photoprotective Samples? A Review from Stability to Skin Permeability and Efficacy in Sunscreen Systems

“…As energy is inversely proportional to wavelength (nm), this could result in a reduction in intensity, causing a shift in the maximum wavelength to values below 290 nm, thereby leading to a decrease in SPF. Conversely, an opposing effect could have favored anti-UVA protection, potentially pushing the maximum wavelength beyond 320 nm, justifying improvements in the in vitro anti-UVA efficacy of bioactive photoprotectors [31,90].…”

“…Therefore, considering the antioxidant capacity of rutin, it is believed that it can confer additional protection from oxidative damage to the skin caused by sun exposure, justifying its application in multifunctional photoprotective formulations [26][27][28][29]. It is still worth highlighting that this bioactive compound is biocompatible, therefore, possessing a suitable profile to be used in cosmetic formulations [20,[30][31][32][33][34]. For this review, we explored the potential of rutin in the development of photoprotective formulations, discussing its physicochemical and functional properties, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects.…”

Evaluasi Mutu Fisik dan Penentuan Nilai Sun Protecting Factor (SPF) Sediaan Lotion Ekstrak Etanol Daun Matoa (Pometia pinnata)

“…Reaksi fotosensitisasi dan fotodegradasi yang sering diakibatkan oleh sediaan tabir surya konvensional mendorong peneliti untuk memformulasi suatu sediaan tabir surya yang mengandung komponen alami. Selain itu, penelitian dalam beberapa tahun terakhir juga menunjukkan bahwa tabir surya alami mudah tersedia dan lebih ekonomis daripada yang sintetis (Fonseca et al, 2023).…”