Formulation and Evaluation of Chironji-Derived Oleic Acid-Based Herbal Sunscreen for Enhanced Photoprotection

Abstract

It can be observed that oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid, has acquired potential usage in most skincare products, especially sunscreens, owing to the emollient, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties, which it possesses. The Indian plant chironji (Buchananialanzan) is one of the major sources of oleic acid, and its seeds have been traditionally incorporated in several medicinal and cosmetic preparations. The present work focuses on the extraction of oleic acid from chironji seeds and its incorporation into sunscreen formulations. Oleic acid was extracted using a solvent method, after which characterization was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for composition and purity confirmation. The experimental or exploratory sunscreens were prepared with varying concentrations of oleic acid from chironji, and stability testing, SPF (sun protection factor), and skin compatibility testing were conducted. The results suggest that the incorporation of oleic acid from chironji will enhance hydration of the skin while giving effective UV protection, ultimately leading to high stability of the product. Therefore, chironji slant oleic acid can be considered a potential natural product for the sustainable development of sunscreens. The present study, therefore, places chironji as one of the good sources for oleic acid for use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries towards obtaining eco-friendly composites and useful sun protection products.

Introduction

1. Overview

This study focuses on developing a herbal sunscreen using natural plant-based ingredients as an alternative to synthetic formulations. Key components include oleic acid extracted from Chironji seeds, along with zinc oxide, green tea extract, and various natural oils.

Herbal sunscreens are gaining popularity for their UV-protective, skin-nourishing, and low-irritation properties. They avoid harmful chemicals like parabens and artificial fragrances, aligning with the demand for clean and eco-friendly beauty products.

2. Key Ingredients & Benefits

• Chironji Seeds (Buchanania lanzan): Nutrient-rich, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory; oil extracted via Soxhlet method.

• Oleic Acid (from Chironji oil): Acts as an emollient, helps with skin hydration, barrier protection, and elasticity.

• Zinc Oxide: Offers broad-spectrum UV protection.

• Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidants and reduces UV-induced oxidative stress.

• Natural Oils (Coconut, Olive, Argan): Add SPF value, moisturize, and nourish skin.

3. Methodology

• Oil Extraction: Chironji seed powder is extracted using petroleum ether or n-hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus.

• Oleic Acid Isolation: Extracted using column chromatography and confirmed with TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography).

• Sunscreen Formulation: Oleic acid is incorporated into a cream base with other natural ingredients using a double boiler method.

• Final Ingredients: Include oleic acid, beeswax, coconut oil, green tea extract, zinc oxide, lavender oil, honey, and others.

4. Evaluation of the Sunscreen

Physical Evaluation

• Color: Off-white

• Odor: Pleasant (lavender)

• Texture: Cream-like, smooth

• Spreadability & Washability: Good

• pH: 6.16 (skin-friendly)

SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection

• Test Method: Mansur UV-Vis Spectrophotometry

• UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF): 14.2

• SPF/UVA-PF Ratio: 2.81

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Confirmed (passes standard)

Stability and Safety Tests

• Thermal Stability: Withstood 40–50°C with no phase separation

• Water Resistance: Retained effectiveness after exposure to water

• Irritation & Sensitization Tests: Non-irritant and non-allergenic on human skin

• Microbial Test: No microbial growth observed over time

Conclusion

The results from the various tests confirm that the oil-based herbal sunscreen containing oleic acid, beeswax, coconut oil, lavender oil, olive oil, argan oil, honey, green tea extract, and zinc oxide is an effective, safe, and stable formulation. It offers moderate UV protection, is non-irritating, and has a long shelf-life under normal storage conditions. The combination of natural ingredients and the physical sunscreen agent provides a cosmetically appealing and effective sunscreen product suitable for daily use. Further studies, such as long-term clinical trials and broader human use testing, would be required to explore the formulation\'s performance over extended periods of use and to further verify its safety and efficacy in real-world conditions.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Prajwali Bhalerao, Pritikumari Baitha, Vaishnavi Bhosale, Sakshi Unde. 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.