Up-to-Date Overview of the Use of Natural Ingredients in Sunscreens

Abstract

The photoprotective skincare segment is in high demand to meet consumer concerns on UV-induced skin damage, with a recent trend towards sunscreen alternatives with a natural origin. In this study, the use of natural ingredients, either from terrestrial or marine origin, in a panel of 444 sunscreen commercial formulations (2021) was analyzed. Ingredients from terrestrial organisms represent the large majority found in the analyzed sunscreen formulations (48%), whereas marine ingredients are present only in 13% of the analyzed products. A deeper analysis regarding the most prevalent families of ingredients from terrestrial and marine organisms used as top ingredients is also presented, as well as their mechanisms of action. This study provides an up-to-date overview of the sunscreen market regarding the use of natural ingredients, which is of relevance for scientists involved in the development of new sunscreens to identify opportunities for innovation.

Sustainable Use of Chrysanthemum indicum var. aromaticum as Value-Added Green Materials in Microemulsion Hydrogels

“…CE improved the photoprotective effect of the formula and showed good photostability in this experiment. Studies have found that many plant extracts can absorb UV rays and enhance the SPF value of the formula, which may be related to the flavonoids and phenolic substances; however, this specific mechanism for CIA needs to be investigated.…”

Recent developments in sunscreens based on chromophore compounds and nanoparticles

“…A co-precipitation process using alkaline conditions produced layered double hydroxides intercalated with dodecylbenzenesulfonate (1). Following PXRD, FTIR, and TGA/DTA analysis, several processes were used to react the Zn x Al/SUR compounds with neutral benzophenone.…”

“…It is a topical product that comes in various forms, such as lotions, creams, gels, sprays, and sticks. 1 The primary purpose of sunscreen is to shield our skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to skin aging, while UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn.…”

The Comparison of the Sunscreen Activity of Ethanol Extracts and Fractions from Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) Leaves using UV Spectrophotometer Method

“…Currently, the development of sunscreen preparations has led to the use of natural ingredients as active substances. This is because these natural ingredients do not have dangerous side effects when compared to synthetic chemicals (6). Robusta coffee leaves (Coffea canephora) contain secondary metabolite compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and steroids (7,8).…”