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Abstract

This research work was aimed to formulate a dosage form of Lycopene and Aloevera that introducing the increasing awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on skin health has spurred interest in developing effective and natural sunscreen formulations. This study investigates the potential of combining Aloevera and lycopene-rich tomato extract, known for their detaining, moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant properties, to create a novel herbal sunscreen lotion. The research aims to evaluate the UV protection capabilities of this formulation, assessing its efficacy against both UVA and UVB rays. Furthermore, the study will explore the potential of this herbal sunscreen to offer a safer and more skin-friendly alternative to conventional sunscreens, while also investigating its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits. The potent anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and wound-healing properties of Aloevera make it a valuable addition to sunscreen formulations, particularly for sensitive skin. It forms a protective barrier, boosts collagen and elastin production, and aids in soothing sunburn and reducing redness. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant derived from tomatoes, offers significant photo protective effects by scavenging free radicals generated by UV radiation and reducing erythema. Studies suggest that Lycopene can protect against UVB-induced photo damage and potentially reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Keywords

Sunscreen, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) and Lycopene (from Solanum lycopersicum) sunscreen herbal, natural, skin protection, SPF, UVA, UVB, sunburn, antioxidants, photo protection

Introduction

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Exposure to the sun's harsh ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses a significant risk to skin health, leading to premature aging, DNA damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. While traditional sunscreens offer essential protection, many consumers are seeking natural alternatives with added benefits. This article explores the innovative combination of aloe vera and lycopene in a sunscreen lotion, highlighting their unique properties and synergistic effects in shielding the skin from sun damage and promoting overall skin health.

1.1 Advantages:

• Aloe vera: a naturally in sun protection

  • Soothing and healing: Aloe vera, a succulent plant renowned for its thick, gel-filled leaves, offers soothing and healing benefits for the skin. It can calm irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote the repair of damaged skin tissues after sun exposure.
  • Hydration and moisture retention: Aloe vera keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dryness and flakiness, often caused by prolonged sun exposure. Its natural compounds, including polysaccharides, help lock in moisture and maintain the skin's natural moisture balance.
  • Antioxidant properties: Aloe vera contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, which help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure, preventing oxidative damage to the skin.

• Lycopene: nature's shield against sun damage

  • Powerful antioxidant: Lycopene, a potent antioxidant found abundantly in tomatoes, watermelon, and other red or pink fruits, protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation. It neutralizes free radicals, potentially reducing UV-induced damage and aiding in skin repair.
  • UV protection: Lycopene has been shown to offer some protection against sunburn and reduce the intensity of skin redness after UV exposure. It may also help prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • Skin health and anti-aging: Lycopene can help maintain skin hydration and may reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

• The synergistic power of aloe vera and lycopene in sunscreen

  • When combined in a sunscreen lotion, aloe vera and lycopene create a powerful synergy, offering enhanced sun protection and skincare benefits. Aloe vera's soothing and hydrating properties complement lycopene's antioxidant and photo protective effects, resulting in a sunscreen that not only shields the skin from harmful UV rays but also nourishes, repairs, and protects it from premature aging. This combination allows for a gentler, more natural approach to sun protection, minimizing the risk of irritation while maximizing skin health and resilience.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

MATERIALS:

Lycopene extracted from the laboratory extraction process. Aloevera used as gel from natural source, Sodium lauryl sulphate, Stearic acid, Lecithin, Propylparaben, Rosewater, Lanolin, Vitamin E, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Acetylalcohol, Methylparaben used were of analytical grade. All the ingredients and their uses in formulation of tablet were shown in Table no. 1.

Table no. 1: Ingredients used in formulation of tablet

S. No.

Ingredient

Uses

  1.  

Aloevera juice

Soothing, Healing, Moisturising

  1.  

Lycopene

Detaining, UV protection, Skin health, Antiaging

  1.  

Sodium lauryl sulphate

Spreadability

  1.  

Stearic acid

Emulsifier, Emollient, and Thickener

  1.  

Lecithin

penetration enhancer,

  1.  

Propylparaben

Preservative

  1.  

Rosewater

Fragrance/Vehicle

  1.  

Lanolin

Emollient

  1.  

Vitamin E

Antioxidant

  1.  

Titanium Dioxide

Mineral UV filter

  1.  

Glycerin

Humectant

  1.  

Acetylalcohol

Emulsion Stabilizer

  1.  

Methylparaben

Preservative

METHOD

2.1.1    Formulation of sunscreen lotion

  • Procedure for formulation of sunscreen lotion-

Step I: Water phase was prepared by mixing water soluble components. Aloevera juice, Tomato extract (Lycopene), Sodium lauryl sulphate, Stearic acid, Lecithin, and Propyl paraben was mixed properly and volume was made with rosewater. Heated the mixture at 80°C.

Step II: Oil phase was prepared by minxing oil soluble components. Lanolin, Acetyl alcohol, Sodium lauryl sulphate, and Methylparaben was properly mixed and heated the mixture at 80°C.

Step III: Oil phase was added in water phase at 80°C with continuous stirring for 20- 25 min and then it was homogenized till uniform emulsion is formed. The finished product has half white color. It was then poured into the wide mouth container and stored at temperature not exceeding 37°C.

  • Water phase:

Table: 2 Formulation of Water Phase

S.NO.

Ingredients

Quantity(20gm)

F (1)

Quantity(20gm)

F (2)

Quantity(20gm)

F (3)

1.

Aloevera juice

0.300 ml (SPF)

0.500 ml

0.600 ml

2.

Lycopene

0.400gm

0.400gm

0.400gm

3.

Sodium lauryl sulphate

0.030gm

0.030gm

0.030gm

4.

Stearic acid

0.350gm

0.150gm

0.050gm

5.

Lecithin

0.200gm

0.200gm

0.200gm

6.

Propylparaben

0.02gm

0.02gm

0.02gm

7.

Rosewater

q.s.

q.s.

q.s.

  • Oil phase:

Table: 3 Formulation of Oil Phase

S.NO.

Ingredients

Quantity(20gm) F (1)

Quantity(20gm) F (2)

Quantity(20gm) F (3)

1

Lanolin

0.30gm

-

0.30gm

2.

Vitamin E

-

0.500gm

0.200gm

3.

Titanium Dioxide

0.400gm

0.200gm

0.200gm

4

Glycerin

-

0.600gm

0.600gm

5.

Acetylalcohol

0.24gm

0.24gm

0.24gm

6.

Sodium lauryl sulphate

0.61gm

0.01gm

0.01gm

7.

Methylparaben

0.04gm

0.04gm

0.04gm

  • SPF determination of Formulation of sunscreen lotion:
  • Procedure for SPF determination of Formulated sunscreen lotion

1. 1.0 gm of sample was accurately weighed and transferred into 100ml volumetric flask and 50 ml of ethanol added and sonicated for 15 minutes afterwards volume was made up to the mark with ethanol and then filtered through whatman filter paper(solution-A).

2. First 10 ml was discarded. Then 5.0 ml of aliquot from (solution-A) was transferred to 25 ml volumetric flask and diluted up to the mark with ethanol (Solution-B).

3. Then 2.5 ml of solution- B was transferred into 25 ml of volumetric flask and volume was made upto the mark with ethanol (Solution-C).

4. Solution-C was transferred into1cm cuvettes and test solution was exposed with UV Light and measured for the spectrum absorbance of the test solution.

5. Absorbance of sample was taken for UV B range 290nm to 320nm every 5nm wavelength interval, and same was performed in triplicate for each sample. Determinations were made at each point, followed by the application of Mansur equation.

                                                   320

????????????spectrophotometric=CFX∑????????(????)????????(????)????????????????(????)

                                                   290

In the above equation

EE(I)=Erythem a effect spectrum

I (I)= Solar intensity spectrum

Abs=Absorbance of sunscreen product 

CF = Correction factor (=10).

The value of EE x I are constant

Table 4. SPF determination of formulated sunscreen lotion

S.No

Wavelenghth

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Photo
Pragati Malakar
Corresponding author

Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Indore (M. P.), India

Photo
Sunita Sonartiya
Co-author

Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Indore (M. P.), India

Photo
Rajat Pawar
Co-author

Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Indore (M. P.), India

Photo
Dishant Gupta
Co-author

Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Indore (M. P.), India

Photo
Sunita Patidar
Co-author

Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Indore (M. P.), India

Pragati Malakar*, Sunita Sonartiya, Rajat Pawar, Dishant Gupta, Sunita Patidar, Formulation and Evaluation of Aloevera and Lycopene Based Sunscreen Lotion, Int. J. Med. Pharm. Sci., 2026, 2 (1), 62-69. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18144814

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