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SUNSCREEN TOPICAL PRODUCTS – FROM CONVENTIONAL TO NOVEL FORMULATIONS

MIHAELA AFRODITA DAN 1, ANCUȚA CĂTĂLINA FIȚA 1, GEORGIANA NIȚULESCU 1*, EMMA ADRIANA OZON 1, EMILIA STANCU 2, MIHAELA DANIELA BALTĂ 3, TEODORA BALACI 1, DUMITRU LUPULIASA 1, IOANA ANDREEA POPESCU 1

1“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945, Bucharest, Romania
2“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Marketing, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945, Bucharest, Romania
3“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, 8 Eroii Sanitari Boulevard, 050474, Bucharest, Romania

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When formulating sunscreen topical products, the aim is to select the photoprotective active ingredient, its concentration, the type of carrier and the cosmetic form in a manner that the effectiveness of sun protection is guaranteed. The main goal in formulating modern sunscreens is to develop the best product that meets the desired objectives: effectiveness against UV radiation characterized by the sun protection factor (SPF), type of protection (UVA, UVB or broad spectrum) and water resistance. Photoprotective products are emulsified systems, hydroalcoholic solutions, anhydrous systems or gels. There is a wide range of skin sunscreen products intended for application on different areas of the body: head (hair, skin, sensitive parts of the face: lips, nose, eye contour), hands, and body. Since the use of TiO2 nanoparticles is allowed in cosmetic formulations several studies have been trying to increase the efficacy, reduce the potential of side effects and increase the compliance for these products. This review presents the current state of the art in photoprotective topical products, from simple solutions to nanoparticulate systems that are either in use or under investigation.