Designing and Characterization of Photoprotective Formulations

Phytoconstituents are gaining popularity as ingredients in cosmetic formulations as they can protect the skin against exogenous and endogenous harmful agents and can help remedy many skin conditions. Solar ultraviolet radiations (UV-R) comprise three categories depending on the wavelength-UV-A radiations (320-400 nm) UV-B radiations (280-320 nm) and UV-C radiations (200-280 nm). Ninety percent of these are UV-A radiations which reach us and are known as aging rays as they penetrate deep into the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Sunscreens reduce the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by absorbing reflecting or scattering photons. The aim of investigation in this book to formulate and design significant valuable and cost effective formulation which shows maximum UVB (290 to 320 nm) protection and could be utilized by Indian latitude population. PABA is used topically as sunscreen (UVB absorber). The present investigation was performed in two parts first was analysis and evaluation of marketed formulations (i.e. to determine the actual claimed SPF of marketed formulations) and second is formulation and evaluation of photoprotective formulations.