Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Gel Based Sunscreen

Herbal sunscreen (also known as herbal sunscreen blocks) is a lotion spray or other topical product that help protect the skin from the sun ultraviolet radiation and which reduced sun burn and other skin damage with the goal of lowering the risk of the skin cancer with help of herbs. Sunscreen are used to protect the skin from harmful effects of the sun including the appearance of erythema in the short term and actinic photo-ageing and skin cancer is long term. The efficacy of sunscreen is usually expressed by the sun protection factors (SPF) which defined as UV energy required for producing a minimal erythema dose to protect skin. Divided by the UV energy required for producing on unprotected skin. SPF – Minimal erythema dose in sunscreen protected skin by minimum erythema dose in non – sunscreen protected skin. Photo protection Sunscreen alone may provide insufficient protection from UV sunscreen function best to prevent sunburn from UV radiation and then poorly sun avoidance remains the most desirable from of sun protection. SPF- Sun protection factors is used for UV sun protection and its system is used worldwide to determine how much protection a sunscreen provide applied to the skin at a thickness of 2mg/cm2 SPF with sunscreen. Due to Sunscreen has deep cell penetration it has recently become multiple skin health advantage of the most personal care product an addition being sold separately sunscreen can also found in other item including those for the seasonal care of lips, and skin. And energy The Sun May also Damage our skin Sunlight Ultraviolet (uv) rays can the Result in Sunburn skin Cancer, And Early Ageing of the Skin. Sunscreen Shield the Skin from These UV rays Negative from Consequences By preventing, reaching. It Include natural Component Can regenerate. The skin and give enough protection against Pollution and Climate change in the Atmosphere. The Most Often Used herbs its Natural Sunscreen Include Aloe Vera, Turmeric and Sunflower oil. Aloe Vera is Well known and Ancient Liliaceae medicine plant. Aloe Vera Extract include lot Them of polyphenol component and chemical in Aloe Vera contains is potentially active, Element include vitamin supplement mineral and amino acid. It was successfully treated Sunburn including both first and Enzymes Treated Second degree burn: Turmeric extract Anti - flatulent and Anti - inflammatory, anti-fungal, Anti-cancer properties. It contains vitamin E & Antioxidant and Sunflower Fat -soluble, Photo protective capabilities. The Sun Protection Efficacy Was Assessed in Term of SPF. SUNSCREEN GEL FOR SKIN ANATOMY –As the body’s largest organ, skin protects against germs, regulates body temperature and enables touch (tactile) sensations. The skin’s Main layers include the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis and is prone to many problems, including skin cancer, acne, wrinkles and Rashes. The outer layer of the skin has cells that contain the pigment melanin. Melanin protects skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These can Burn the skin and reduce its elasticity, leading to premature aging. People tan because sunlight causes the skin to produce more melanin and darken.

Figure: 1. Anatomy of Skin

Three layers of tissue make up the skin:

1. Epidermis top layer
2. Dermis Middle layer
3. Hypodermis, the bottom or fatty layer.

Acts as a protective barrier: The epidermis keeps bacteria and germs from entering your body and bloodstream and causing infections. It also protects against rain, sun and other environmental factors.

Make new skin: The epidermis continually make new skin cells. These new cells replace the approximately 40,000 old skin cells that your body sheds every day. One can have new skin every 30 days.

Protects your body: Langerhans cells in the epidermis are part of the body’s immune system. They help fight of germs and infections.

Importance And Advantages Of Sunscreen

Photo stability and Toxicity

Photo stability refers to the ability of a molecule to remain intact under irradiation. It can be a concern for all UV filters because they are specifically chosen as UVR-absorbing molecules. This issue has been particularly noted with avobenzone, as photolysis has been demonstrated, especially in in vitro systems that simultaneously irradiate and measure transmittance in situ. This effect may also degrade other sunscreens in a formulation. Similar changes have been observed with octyl methoxycinnamate and octyl dimethyl PABA, while oxybenzone has been shown to be relatively stable. Higher SPF sunscreen products often use combinations of multiple sunscreen agents at maximum concentrations, which may interact with one another. The photo stability of these molecules also depends on the solvent or vehicle used. Certain ingredients, such as

Photoprotection

Sunscreens alone may provide insufficient protection from UVR. While sunscreens are most effective at preventing sunburn caused by UV-B radiation, they offer more limited protection against UV-A radiation. Relying solely on sunscreens can have the unintended consequence of increasing outdoor exposure times, which may lead to higher overall UVR exposure. Particularly in individuals who burn easily and poorly, sun avoidance remains the most effective form of sun protection.

• • Importance of Photoprotection
  • Exposure to UV radiation can lead to:
  • Photoaging: Manifested as wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin elasticity.
  • Photo carcinogenesis: DNA damage that increases the risk of skin cancers.
  • Sunburn: An acute inflammatory response to excessive UV exposure.

Sun Protection

Protecting your skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun is essential, as exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to skin aging and is the primary cause of skin cancer. Some individuals may need to take extra precautions due to photosensitivity. Additionally, it's important to protect your skin when at high altitudes in any season, particularly in snowy conditions, as snow reflects additional ultraviolet radiation onto your skin.

Advantages of Herbal Sunscreens

• Easily available
• No side effect
• No special equipment needed for preparation
• Renewable resources.
• Botanical ingredients are easily available.
• Made up with natural ingredients.

MATERIAL

Turmeric Extract - Turmeric sunscreen is a perfect natural remedy which protect your skin from the bacteria caused by excess sweat in summer months. Turmeric extract, primarily containing curcumin, is widely used in herbal gel-based sunscreens due to its multiple therapeutic properties. It provides mild natural UV protection by absorbing some UVA and UVB rays, contributing to photoprotection alongside other ingredients.

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is widely acknowledged to possess the anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and wound healing effects. A great moisturizer may cause burning skin. Aloe Vera can lead in the defense of the skin against the damaging ultraviolet uv radiation of the sun by absorbing some of the radiation. Aloe vera is a key ingredient in herbal gel-based sunscreens due to its numerous skin benefits. Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, aloe vera helps to calm sun-exposed skin, reducing inflammation and redness. It also contains antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins that promote skin healing and repair, making it ideal for after-sun care.

Triethanolamine - It is stabilizer and surface-active agent. Thickener. When viscous Trimethylamine is added to a product, it adds body and density to the formula’s feel.

Zinc Oxide - Must be applied to skin surface where it all reflect, scatter and absorb ultraviolet ray. Sunscreen with zinc oxide can lid in preventing skin cancer because uv radiation is the primary cause of the disease.

Methyl Paraben-   Used as preservative in the sunscreen gel. Effective at preventing microbial growth and bacterial.

Rose Water - It used in the sunscreen. And after sun product, as it helps to boost the effectiveness of the SPFx.

Glycerin - It can be found in some sunscreen as natural moisturizer and to help make sunscreen more spreadable

Carbopol 940 - It is a gelling agent. Carbopol is made use of in some sunscreen products to help its product stay on the skin and provide even coverage. It also can help to improve the product’s water.

METHOD

Making Of Aloe vera Gel -

• The gel base is prepared by dispersing carbomer 940 in distilled water at 80 degrees Celsius. With constant stirring and PH was adjusted to 6-7using triethanolamine. Clear mucilaginous gel was scooped with spoon.
• Extract was mixed uniformly with magnetic stirrer and extract filter with filter paper, finally transferred into sterilized glass stored in refrigerator.
• Gel extract adds into gel base using aloe extract was prepared.

Preparation:

Prepared Sunscreen with Carbopol 934 Base

• Herbal sunscreen was prepared by combining several herbs with Carbopol 934 as a foundation.
• One gm of Carbopol was soaked with distilled water.
• Additionally, component such as aloe Vera gel, turmeric, triethanolamine, rose water, glycerin, was add and mixed continuously.
• For one hour before adding the preservative.

Prepared Sunscreen with The Sunflower Oil Base

• In a water bath required amount of sunflower oil, turmeric extract.
• Heated for 1hour.
• The oil phase at room temperature other ingredients are aloe Vera, rose water, glycerin adding with stirring constant until homogenous mixture. Then preservatives added to combinations
• Stored in cool place and evaluation.

Figure.2 Formulation

Formulation Table

1) Flocculation test: A flocculation test for herbal gel-based sunscreen assesses the tendency of particles within the gel to clump together, forming larger aggregates, which can affect the product's appearance, texture, and stability. This test is important because it helps ensure the gel remains homogeneous and does not separate over time.

Figure.3 Formulation F1, F2, F3, F4

At 0°C

Figure 4.1 Formulations at 0°C

Figure 4.2 Formulations at 10°C

At 20° C

Figure 4.3 Formations at 20°C

3) Spreadability test:

To assess the Spreadability of a sunscreen gel using a texture analyzer, a specialized fixture with a cone-shaped probe and a matching receptacle is used. The probe is lowered into the sample, and the force required to penetrate the gel's surface is measured. This force translates into the product's Spreadability. The probe subsequently goes downward at a predetermined speed to compress. The probe quantifies the amount of force required to penetrate the gel's surface as it moves into the sample holder.

Figure 5.1 Texture Analyzer Apparatus

Figure 5.2 Graph Generated Using Texture Analyzer

Figure 5.3 Graph of Spreadability Test

Viscosity of an herbal gel-based sunscreen can be determined using a Brookfield viscometer. The gel sample is placed in a beaker, and a spindle is lowered into it. The viscometer rotates the spindle at a specific speed, and the resistance to movement is measured, indicating the viscosity. Measurements can be taken at different speeds to assess the gel's viscosity profile

5) Determination sun protecting factor