Developing Photoprotective Formulations Based on Natural Products

Dear Colleagues,

Skin cancer is increasing, notwithstanding the increased use of sunscreens and daily creams carrying protective factors. Reasons are still unclear, but some authors have attributed to side reaction by traditional sunscreen filters (i.e., TiO2, octocylene) to interaction with solar radiation. Daily photoprotection is, thus, becoming a very important health issue due to its preventive action against skin cancer. In the last decades, due to the potential risk and the environmental impact of synthetic chemical sun filters, a great deal of research has been focused on the search for UV-filter-based on natural products. However, the majority of studies end with an in vitro measurement and often with a plethora of different methods which results are not directly comparable, thus not consenting to forecast a possible application in finished formulations.

Photoprotection-based on natural products has been extensively studied and includes several approaches, such as in vitro SPF determination, synergistic antioxidant and lenitive activities, anti-proliferative effects, formulation strategies, etc. Even if hundreds of papers have been published concerning one or more of the above-mentioned research, a few articles have tried to partially summarize the results and provide a partial strategy in order to develop innovative sunscreen formulations based on natural products. There is very few clinical evidence based on in vivo SPF determination.

The EU is recognized as the having the most advanced regulations in the field of cosmetics, in which sunscreens are included. To measure protection factors, the guidelines suggest using an in vivo method on volunteers or at least an in vitro method, but one that strongly correlates with in vivo methods. To this end, some ISO procedures have been suggested. I believe that the collection of studies using the same approach suggested by EU-guidelines for the evaluation of efficacy of natural-extract-based formulations will be of great help in the advancement of knowledge in the field. For readers, this Special Issue will give an interesting opportunity to easily review the latest trends concerning the development of photoprotective strategies based on natural products. For authors, it will be an attractive opportunity to show new results, especially regarding in vivo tests, and to participate in a rationalization of the approach. This Special Issue will contain contributions discussing all aspects broadly indicated by the keywords. New articles or reviews articles by experts in the field will also be welcome.

Prof. Dr. Stefano Manfredini
Guest Editor

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• Photoprotection
• Natural UV filter
• Skin care formulation
• SPF in vivo and in vitro
• UVA-PF in vitro
• Antioxidant
• Lenitive