A Review: Formulation and Evolution of Sunscreen

Abstract

Sunscreens are vital skincare items used to shield the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation\'s damaging effects. They are essential in avoiding skin cancer, sunburn, and early ageing. According to their active components and mode of action, sunscreens are often divided into two categories: chemical (organic) and physical (mineral). The creation of broad-spectrum, photos table, and aesthetically pleasing sunscreens has been made possible by advancements in formulation technology. Their effectiveness and safety are guaranteed by evaluation techniques including SPF, PPD, and photo stability testing. To guarantee product quality, regulatory agencies such as the FDA, EU, and CDSCO offer stringent criteria. Research on sustainable and customized sunscreen solutions has been fuelled by growing consumer awareness, environmental concerns, and desire in herbal and reef-safe substitutes.

Introduction

Sunlight is essential for vitamin D production and maintaining circadian rhythms, but excessive UV exposure can cause skin damage, including sunburn, aging, and skin cancers. Sunscreens have become vital for protecting the skin by either reflecting or absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens are classified as physical (mineral) or chemical based on their active ingredients, with physical sunscreens reflecting UV rays and chemical sunscreens absorbing and converting them to heat. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures protection against UVB, while other tests evaluate UVA protection and water resistance. Sunscreens are regulated differently worldwide, and concerns exist over ingredient safety and environmental impact, particularly on marine ecosystems. This has spurred development of reef-safe and herbal sunscreens, which use natural extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recent advancements focus on improved formulations using nanotechnology, hybrid chemical-mineral blends, radiative cooling, and personalized products. Consumer use of sunscreen remains inconsistent despite awareness, highlighting the need for better education and innovation in user-friendly, effective, and eco-conscious sunscreens.

Conclusion

Sunscreens continue to be an essential component of dermatological and cosmetic treatment because they provide vital defence against UV-induced cancer and skin damage. There is a noticeable trend towards safer, more effective, and ecologically friendly sunscreen products as skin health becomes more widely recognized. There are advantages to both chemical and physical sunscreens, and more recent hybrid formulas provide well-rounded protection. In order to verify efficacy, evaluation techniques including SPF, PPD, and photo stability testing are essential. Regulatory frameworks use uniform ingredient and labelling guidelines to guarantee consumer safety. A more individualized and sustainable future is suggested by recent advancements in nanotechnology, bioactive plant extracts, and smart sunscreen technologies. Because to their minimal side effects and natural effectiveness, herbal sunscreens are becoming more and more popular. The market will probably change as research progresses and technology and biotechnology are included into sunscreen creation. Customized, high-performing, environmentally friendly sunscreen formulas that accommodate a range of skin types and lifestyles worldwide are the way of the future.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Sanni Kumar, Mr. Siddhart Lohar, Mr. Nikhil Jadhav, Mr. Nitin Gawai. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.