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Introduction: The effective sun protection amidst growing concerns about UV radiation’s impact on skin health, the integration of ancient herbal wisdom with modern scientific advancements has gained prominence. This convergence has led to a renewed interest in herbal skincare formulations as lternatives to conventional sunscreens. Rooted in centuries-old medicinal practices, herbal remedies offer a promising avenue for shielding the skin from UV damage while nourishing it with botanical benefits. Objective: This study aims to develop herbal sunscreen creams enriched with polyphenols from Lemon, Tomato, and Aloe vera, evaluate their SPF, assess antioxidant activity, and compare their efficacy with commercial formulations, offering insights into their potential as natural sun protection alternatives. Materials and Methods: The study utilized Lemon (Citrus limon), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) extracts as primary ingredients. Extraction methods were employed to obtain bioactive compounds from each plant, followed by phytochemical screening to identify their chemical constituents. The sunscreen formulations were prepared by combining these extracts with excipients such as cetostearyl alcohol, stearic acid, and carbopol. Various physical parameters, SPF values, and antioxidant activity were evaluated to assess the formulations’ efficacy and stability. Results: Extraction yielded 0.98g, 1.85g, and 1.57g of extracts per 100g of raw material for Lemon, Tomato, and Aloe vera, respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed distinct profiles of bioactive compounds in each extract. Formulation development resulted in three sunscreen formulations, each containing different proportions of plant extracts and excipients. SPF determination showed that Formulation 3 exhibited the highest SPF value, indicating superior protection against UV radiation compared to the other formulations. Conclusion: The research demonstrates the potential of herbal sunscreen formulations in providing effective sun protection while harnessing the antioxidant properties of botanical extracts. The formulations exhibited desirable physical characteristics and significant SPF values, highlighting their promise as natural alternatives to conventional sunscreens. Further refinement and optimization could enhance their efficacy and stability, positioning them as compelling options in skincare and sun protection.
P. Yadagiri Swami (Sat,) studied this question.