Formulation and evaluation of sunscreen cream using detarium senegalense oil as base

Abstract

Exposure to solar radiation has the beneficial effects of stimulating the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D and providing radiant warmth. Unfortunately, when the skin is subjected to excessive radiation in the ultraviolet range, deleterious effects may occur such as acute sunburn or solar erythema. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate sunscreen creams with photo protective and antioxidant activities using Detarium senegalense oil as a base. Six cream formulations (DC 1 to DC 6) were prepared using fusion method and characterized for pH, rancidity, thermal stability, viscosity, organoleptic tests and antioxidant properties. In-vitro determination of sun protection factor (SPF) by UV-spectrophotometer was carried out on all the formulations. The pH readings of the creams were found to be in the range of 5.40 and 6.80. DC 6 formulation had the highest spreadability factor of 14.22 ± 1.07 mm2g-1 other formulations ranged from 11.45 ± 0.94 to 13.01 ± 1.11 mm2g-1 for DC 1 to DC 5. The formulated creams showed excellent in vitro sun protection ability with SPF ranging from 11.97 for DC 2 to 15.88 for DC 4. Increase in the concentration of detarium oil in the formulation led to an increase in SPF. Topical application of the sunscreen antioxidant cream formulated with the oils of Detarium senegalense and Citrus sinensis will help protect the skin from damage caused by harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, as well as protect the skin from oxidative stress.