Garbage to Beauty: Development and In-Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Rich Microsponge Sunscreen Lotion from Fish Scale and Mango Kernels

This study aims to develop and assess a herbal sunscreen formulation for skin protection against sun damage, utilizing ingredients from plant extracts such as Mangifera indica (mango seed kernels) and animal extract from Sardinella longiceps (pearl essence extracted from fish scales). Mango seed kernels, known for their high stability and antioxidant activity, offer a valuable commodity by repurposing waste. The pearl essence, derived from fish scales, contains guanine, an iridescent substance found in the epidermal layer and scales. The herbal sunscreen formulation incorporates fixed oils, medicinal plants, and animal materials. Mango seed kernels are extracted using a soxhlet apparatus, while pearl essence is obtained through a solvent diffusion method. Regular use of sunscreen has been shown to reduce the development of actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma by absorbing or reflecting the sun's ultraviolet radiation, protecting the skin. The escalating incidence of skin cancers and the detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation have amplified the use of sunscreening agents, demonstrating their efficacy in mitigating symptoms. The prepared sunscreen, enriched with mango kernel extract and pearl essence, as well as curcumin microsponge, offers a multifaceted sunblocking action due to high antioxidant activity and imparts a shimmering effect on the skin. The inclusion of curcumin microsponge aids in the penetration of the lotion into the skin, ensuring a comprehensive effect. Evaluation of the sunscreen lotion encompassed parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability, confirming the safety of the herbal sunscreen for skin use.