Formulation and Development of Sun Protection Serum Containing Beet Root and Green Tea

 

 

Fig. No. 1: Effect of UV rays on the skin

Green Tea

Green tea phytochemicals (GTPs) are crucial in safeguarding the skin against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. They have been proven to protect the skin by utilizing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and DNA repair attributes. These properties make GTPs a powerful solution for protecting the skin.15 One of the fundamental properties of GTPs is their ability to reduce inflammation caused by sun exposure, a common factor in skin damage and cancer. With powerful antioxidant abilities, these phytochemicals combat the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the sun, preventing oxidative stress and DNA damage.^13,15

Beet Root

Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a promising natural pigment source, as it contains betacyanin, beta cyanidin, and betaxanthin compounds that provide vivid coloration and exhibit strong antioxidant activity. phytochemicals function by scavenging reactive oxygen species, stabilizing free radicals, and reducing oxidative stress, thereby helping to prevent cellular damage induced by UV exposure and flavonoid compounds possess aromatic chromophore structures capable of absorbing UV radiation, which means these compounds contribute to photoprotection through antioxidant radical scavenging and direct UV absorption, thereby reducing UV-induced oxidative damage and enhancing the formulation’s effective sun-protection capacity^4,6

MATERIALS AND METHODS-

Extraction

Decoction is a simple extraction method used to obtain active compounds from plant materials by boiling them in water for a specific time. In this process, plant parts such as roots, leaves, bark, stems, or seeds are heated with water to release medicinal and beneficial constituents into the liquid. The extract obtained is then filtered and used in herbal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations. This method is commonly used because it is simple, economical, and effective for extracting water-soluble compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidants. Decoction is widely used in the preparation of herbal medicines, syrups, tonics, and cosmetic products. Although prolonged heating may destroy some heat-sensitive compounds, decoction remains one of the most commonly used extraction methods in herbal formulation and traditional medicine.

1. Beet root extract

 

 

Fig. No. 2: Beetroot

Preparation of Extract-

A suitable quantity of Beetroot powder was added to 100 mL of distilled water and boiled for about 15–20 minutes. The obtained extract was cooled and filtered using filter paper to remove insoluble particles. The prepared decoction was used for further formulation

Phytochemical Screening of Active Ingredient:

Beet root contains: Flavonoids and phenolics compound, betalains, carotenoids, beta-carote                                     

2. Green Tea Extract-

 

 

Fig. No. 3: Green Tea

Preparation of Extract:

A suitable quantity of Green Tea powder was added to 100 mL of distilled water and heated gently for 15–20 minutes. The mixture was then cooled and filtered using filter paper to obtain a clear extract. The prepared extract was used in the formulation of the serum.

Phytochemical Screening of Active Ingredients: Polyphenols/catechins epigallocatechin gallatecatechins) epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate epicatechin other: gallocatechin (GC), catechin (C); flavonols.

Table No:1 for Phytochemical Test of Beet Root

Phytochemicals	Test	Observation
Betalains	Test for betalains pigments	Pink/purple color present
flavonoids	Alkaline reagent test	Yellow color
Phenolic compounds	Ferric chloride test	Blue color
saponins	Foam test	Stable foam formation

 

 

 

 

Table No:2 for Phytochemical Test of Green Tea

Phytochemicals	Test	Observation
tannins	Test for tannins	blue/black color present
flavonoids	Lead acetate test	Yellow color
Phenolic compounds	Ferric chloride test	Blue/green color
Alkaloids	Dragendroff’s test	Red color

Table No:3 Ingredients of Serum

Sr.no	Ingredients	Uses
1	Beet root	Acts as antioxidant and provides photoprotective activity against UV radiation
2	Green tea	Provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and UV protective properties
3	Aloe vera	Acts as moisturizer and soothing agent
4	Vitamin E	Functions as antioxidant and skin nourishing agent
5	Xanthan gum	Used as gelling and thickening agent Used as preservative
6	Rose water	Provides soothing, cooling and fragrance effect

Table No:4 Formulation Table for Serum

Sr. No	Ingredients	F1	F2	F3
1	Beetroot	0.3 mL	0.6 mL	0.9 mL
2	Green tea	0.2 mL	0.4 mL	0.6 mL
3	Aloe vera	7.2 mL	7.2 mL	7.2 mL
4	Vitamin E	0.6 mL	0.6 mL	0.6 mL
5	Xanthan gum	0.3 mg	0.3 mg	0.3 mg
6	Rose water	Q.S. to 30 mL	Q.S. to 30 mL	Q.S. to 30 mL

Method of Preparation-

Xanthan gum was dissolved in water at 50°C. The mixture was then stirred constantly while maintaining the temperature to form a gel mass (mass I). Furthermore, vitamin E was dissolved in water at 50°C (mass II) added slowly to mass I, followed by stirring until it became homogeneous (mass III). The mixture was then mixed with aloe vera gel with continuous stirring until it became homogeneous (mass IV). The extract was dissolved in mass IV, the formulation with a known concentration. The prepared mixture was placed into mass IV, and stirred until it became homogeneous.^1,16,17

EVALUATION OF FACE SERUM-

Physical Evaluation: The Colour and appearance of the formulation was observed visually. The formulation procedure uniform distribution of extracts. This test was confirmed by visual appearance and by touch.

pH Value: A pH meter was calibrated using a standard buffer solution. Nearly 1 ml of the face serum was properly weighed and dissolve in 50 ml of distilled water and finally its pH was calculated. The skin has an acidic range and the pH of the skin serum should be in the range of 4.1-6.7.

Determination of Spreadability: 2 gm of serum sample was placed on a surface. A slide was attached to a pan to which 20 gm weight was added. The time (seconds) required to separate the upper slide from surface was taken as a measure of Spreadability.

Determination of Viscosity: Viscosity is a critical parameter for topical formulation. Topical solutions with low viscosity have faster clearance than viscous solutions. In addition, highly viscous solutions can have an undesirable effect on the skin. Viscosity of the Face Serum should be in the range of13759 Pa. ^19,20

UV Spectrophotometric Analysis: Sun protection factor (SPF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig No.4: UV Spectra of Batch F1

 

 

 

Fig No.5: UV Spectra of Batch F2

 

 

Fig No.6: UV Spectra of Batch F3

CONCLUSION

The present study entitled “Formulation and Development of Sun Protection Serum Containing Beetroot and Green Tea” was successfully carried out. The serum was formulated using natural ingredients such as beetroot extract and green tea extract, which are known for their antioxidant, skin protective, and anti-aging properties.

Different batches of serum were prepared and evaluated for various parameters including colour, odour, appearance, pH, viscosity, and UV absorbance. The evaluation results showed that the formulated serum possessed good physical characteristics, acceptable pH suitable for skin application, smooth consistency, and satisfactory stability.

Among all the formulations, Batch F3 showed the best overall performance. In UV spectrophotometric evaluation, F3 exhibited a peak wavelength at 316 nm with the highest absorbance value of 2.5, indicating better UV absorption and enhanced sun protection activity compared to F1 and F2 batches.

The presence of phytoconstituents in beetroot and green tea indicates their potential role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and harmful effects of UV radiation. The prepared serum showed good spreadability and was found to be suitable for topical application without causing irritation. Therefore, the F3 formulation was considered as the optimized batch with promising potential as herbal sun protection serum.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-

The authors are grateful to the management and faculty of the Rajgad Dnyanpeeth’s College of Pharmacy Bhor for providing the necessary facilities and support to carry out this research work. The authors also thank all teaching and non-teaching staff members for their cooperation during the research work.

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