FORMULATION AND EVALUATION

OF
HERBAL SUNSCREEN

A Project Report
submitted
In partial fulfillment of requirements For the Degree

of

BACHELOR OF PHARMACY
Submitted By
ANCHAL VERMA

2109440500011
Under the
Supervision of

Mr. Yogesh Kumar

Asso. Professor

Nandlal Prabhu Devi Professional Institute Barabanki

Dr. A. P. J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

( Formerly Uttar Pradesh Technical University)

2025-25
 CERTIFICATE ENDORSEMENT

This certified that ANCHAL VERMA has carried out PROJECT WORK on
“FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL SUNSCREE” for the awards
of BACHELOR OF PHARMACY for Dr. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW under the supervision of MR. YOGESH KUMAR
(ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR).

The project work symbolizes result of original work and studied out by the student and
the content do not match with other candidate or anybody else from this or any other
institution.

PROF. DR. ROHIT MOHAN

(DIRECTOR)

NLPDPI, ALAPUR BARABANKI

 CERTIFICATE ENDORSEMENT

This certified that ANCHAL VERMA carried out PROJECT WORK for the awards of
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY for DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW under my supervision.

The project work symbolizes result of original work and studied carried out by student
and the content do not match with other candidate or anybody else from this or any other
institution.

SUPERVISOR
Mr. Yogesh Kumar
(ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR)
NLPDPI, ALAPUR BARABANKI
 CERTIFICATE

This is certified that ANCHAL VERMA carried out the research work presented in
this thesis entitled Title of PROJECT WORK REPORT on “ FORMULATION
AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL SUNSCREE” for the award of Bachelor of
Pharmacy from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University.

The thesis embodies results of original work, and studies are carried out by the student
himself and the contents of the project do not form the basis for the award of any other
degree to the candidate or to anybody else from this or any other University/Institution.

SIGNATURE OF EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work presented in this report entitled "PROJECT WORK"
was carried out by me. I have not submitted the matter embodied in this report for the
award of any other degree or diploma of any other University or Institute. I have given
due credit to the original authors/sources for all the words, ideas, diagrams, graphics,
computer programs, experiments, results, that are not my original contribution. I have
used quotation marks to identify verbatim sentences and given credit to the original
authors/ sources. I affirm that no portion of my work is plagiarized, and the experiments
and results reported in the report are not manipulated. In the event of a complaint of
plagiarism and the manipulation of the experiments and results, I shall be fully
responsible and answerable.

ANCHAL VERMA
2109440500011
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express special thanks of my project guide "Mr. Yogesh Kumar'
(ASSOCIATE. PROF.) and 'PROF. DR. ROHIT MOHAN" (DIRECTOR of NLPDPI,
ALAPUR BARABANKI) for their able guidance and support in completing my project.
I would also like to thanks to extend my gratitude to the director sir for providing with
all the facility that was required.

ANCHAL VERMA
2109440500011
 LIST OF FIGURES

Sr. No. Figures No. Title of figures Page no.

1 Figures 01 Cough 01
2 Figures 02 Marshmallow root 03
3 Figures 03 Elecampane root 04
4 Figures 04 Ivy leaf 05
5 Figures 05 Elderberry 06
6 Figures 06 Vasaka 07
7 Figures 07 Pineapple 08
8 Figures 08 Cinnamon 09
9 Figures 09 Thyme 10
10 Figures 10 Honey 11
11 Figures 11 Ingredient formulations 13
12 Figures 12 Preparation of extarct 14
13 Figures 13-14 Preparation of final cough syrup 15
14 Figures 15-16 Evaluation test 17

LIST OF TABLES
Sr. No. Table No. Tittle of Tables Page no.

1 1 Formulation Table 12

2 2 Evaluation of herbal cough syrup 16

3 3 Evaluation table 17
 Index

TITLE PAGE NO

 Abstract 2

 Introduction 2-8

 Material and Methods 9

 Development of Formulation 10

 Subjective Properties 10-11

 Results and Discussion 12

 Conclusion 12

 Reference 13-15
Abstract

Due to the hasty-paced life of today, our life is affected by pollution and harsh synthetic
chemicals, hence, nature has rendered us with its everlasting notable ingredients of
herbal. The major cause of sunburn is UV rays which leads to precarious skin cancer.
Sunscreen is a topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun’s UV radiation on
the skin from excessive exposure to UV radiation. It has the potential to prevent sunburn
& reduce the harmful effects of the sun such as premature aging & skin cancer. The
Present research work portrays the formulations & evaluation of topical photoprotective,
containing antioxidant, anti-malignant, wound healing, antifungal, antiaging,
moisturizer, anti- inflammatory, antiproliferative activity, and other photo-protective
polyphenols. The present research work renders a stable natural photoprotective
formulation with antioxidant properties, high SPF, and more indispensable homogenous
UVA/UVB protection.

Keywords: Sunscreen; Polyphenols; SPF; Sunburns

 Introduction

UV protection is befitting very popular because of sunscreen’s properties as a photo-protecting

agent [1]. Sunscreen preparation is applied topically, and its purpose is to heal, prevent or resist
skin from painful or harmful effects of sunburn, suntan, sun cancer, and premature skin aging
and to escalate the level of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) [1,2,3]. Sunscreens are a natural defense
mechanism to defend against precarious UV radiation from the skin, which is the outer covering
layer of the body. Its ability to absorb, reflect or scatter some of the sun’s UV radiation on the
skin from extravagant exposure to ultraviolet radiation [1]. Skin melanoma, sunburn, photoaging,
skin pigmentation, and various painful or precarious effects are caused by UVA and UVB rays
[3,4]. Anti-oxidant, wound healing, antifungal, premature aging, moisturizer, anti-inflammatory,
and antiproliferative activities are shown due to the key components of UV protection like
flavonoids, phenolic compounds, or herbal oils and their UV rays absorption capacity in UV-A
region [5].

There are ample sunscreen formulations available in the market, which are used to protect skin
from sunburn and skin cancer and during the market survey, it is found that there are some
adverse effects like cell mutation, DNA damage, hormone alteration, and eczema (allergic
reaction) by the synthetic sunscreen agents. Various formulations have multifunctional sun
protection activity and it is based on their efficacy of UV rays’ absorption apart but most of the
formulations are of high cost and merged synthetic molecules have toxicity and are even
carcinogenic [6].

1.1. Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)

It is obtained from the fat of the shea nut. The shea tree originates from the savannas of Africa.
Its potential is to melt at body temperature and to absorb rapidly into the skin and it gives results
without leaving a greasy feeling. It is used as an antioxidant and it contains vitamins like A and
E, both of which enhance skin cell regeneration and circulate blood below the skin’s surface. The
oil contains Cinnamic acid and provides vital protection against precarious UV rays [7].
 Figure 1. Shea butter

1.2. Beeswax (Cera alba)

It is derived from honeybees of the genus Apis and it is a natural wax. Mainly Beeswax
foundation is used as an emulsifier and thickener and can also be used for emulsion stabilization.
Beeswax is used for melting the solids to facilitate the mixing with the water phase’s ingredients
by heating and mixing method. Its most important purpose is to compose a creamy texture.

Figure 2. Bees Wax

1.3. Rose Water (Rosa damascena)

It is extracted from the rose by liquid-liquid extraction [9]. One of the most important factors is
that they have a good source of antioxidant activities and be used for beautifying purposes for
their sterling sunscreen [10].
Gelatin and its hydrolysates procured from fish gelatin of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were
found to possess a scavenging effect against reactive oxygen species of UV that renders
precarious effects to the skin. It is a novel source of components that have potential in skin anti-
aging products and is also used as an emulsifying agent [11].

Figure 3. Rose Water Figure 4. Gelatin

1.4. Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus idaeus seed) (RSO)

It is the fixed oil yielded from the seeds of the Raspberry and its components are fatty acids, and
high concentrations of vitamins A and E, so appreciated in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical
industries. Its potentials that are high antioxidant capacity and exhibited anti-inflammatory,
antiaging, anti-mutagenic, and antimicrobial properties and used as an efficient moisturizer and
emollient which aids to alleviate oxidative stress in the skin, is utilized in cosmetic emulsions for
UV protection [12,13]. It assists to protect cells from oxidative damage and aids with
maintaining the structure of the collagen [13]. Use it to moisturize your face without blocking
pores, so it is also non-comedogenic [15]. It has sun-protective qualities and is also rendered
beneficial to people glancing for a mild, non-irritating moisturizer with a Sun Protection Factor
(SPF) [16,17].

Figure 5. Raspberry Seed Oil

1.5. Olive oil (Olea europaea)
It is a fat derived from the olive fruit. Olive oil is made up of triglyceride esters of oleic acid and
palmitic acid along with traces of squalene, sterols, (phytosterols, and tocosterols), and consists
of polyphenols like esters of Tyrosol and hydroxyl tyrosol including oleocanthal and oleuropein.
Some flavonoids and lignans are also present. Olive oil has been used as a home remedy for skin
care. Squalene is utilized as an antioxidant, and moisturizer, and in topical sunscreen preparation,
it is a convenient vehicle to carry other substances [18,19,20].

Figure 6. Olive Oil

1.6. Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

It is a tropical plant that grows and is cultivated numerously by Indonesian people [21]. It
contains fatty acids and is reported to possess antioxidant properties photoprotection, and other
medicinal activities like anti-bacterial, skin barrier repair, anti-aging, wound healing, and
moisturizing in atopic dermatitis treatment [22-28].

Figure 7. Coconut Oil

1.7. Grape Seed Oil (Vitis vinifera)

It is the most important source of polyphenols (60%-70%). It has the property of antioxidants
with strong anti- inflammatory and antiproliferative activity. The polyphenolic phytoalexin
namely resveratrol (trans-3,5,4’- trihydroxystilbene) is present in both the skin and seeds of
grapes. It acts as an antioxidant with strong anti- inflammatory and antiproliferative activity [29].

Figure 8. Grape Seed Oil

1.8. Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus carota)

It is an essential oil and it renders a significant role of antioxidant, antiseptic, antifungal, and
fragrant properties with high levels of vitamin An and provides protection from the sun.
According to a study, Carrot Seed Oil has a natural SPF of 38 and 40, which was published in
“Pharmacognosy Magazine” in 2009 [7].

Figure 9. Carrot Seed Oil

1.9. Almond Oil

It is the richest source of polyphenolic compounds especially flavonoids and phenolic acids. Its
potential is that the property of UVB protection of this plant’s skin extract and its topical
application has significant antioxidant, skin brightening, and anti-photo aging properties
[30,31,32].

Figure 10. Almond Oil

1.10. Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina)

It is the richest source of vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, and different flavonoids that show
antioxidant properties [33,34,35]. In addition, It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties that stimulate the synthesis and restoration of collagen [36,37]. It has anti-aging
properties and acts as a moisturizer.

Figure 11. Rosehip Seed Oil

1.11. Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum)

It has been utilized as a healing oil for thousands of years. Sesame Oil has inhibited the growth
of malignant melanoma (a skin cancer) prostaglandin and leukotrienes in In-vitro conditions. It
acts as a potent antioxidant activity [38,39]. In the tissues, this oil will neutralize free oxygen
radicals. Palmitic, palmitoleic acid, stearic, oleic, linoleic, eicosenoic acid are present in this oil.
It is the richest source of vitamin E and Sesamol, sesamin is reported to restore moisture to the
skin, keeping it soft and flexible [38,39,40,41].

Figure 12. Sesame Oil

1.12. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

It acts as an effective antiseptic, fungicide, and germicide and it is a widely used ingredient of
ample sunscreen formulations that relieve sunburn by increasing blood flow in capillaries,
bringing nutrients to damaging skin.

Figure 13. Tea Tree Oil

 Material and methods
Table 1 The weights of each ingredient of sunscreen preparation

Ingredients Formulation Ⅰ Formulation Ⅱ Formulation Ⅲ

(50gm) (50gm) (50gm)

Raspberry Seed Oil 6 ml 6 ml 8 ml

Sesame Oil 5 ml 6 ml -
Olive Oil - 2 ml 5 ml
Coconut Oil - - 5 ml
Grape Seed Oil 6 ml 5 ml 5 ml
Carrot Seed Oil 6 ml 6 ml 5.5 ml
Almond Oil 5 ml 5 ml 5 ml
Rosehip Seed Oil 5 ml 5 ml 0.5 ml
Tea Tree Oil 2 ml 1 ml 2 ml
Shea Butter 2.5 gm 2 gm 2 gm
Beeswax 2.5 gm 2 gm 2 gm
Rose Water 5 ml 5 ml 5 ml
Gelatine 5 ml 5 ml 5 ml

2.1. In Silico and In Vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) determination

The sunscreen formulation’s efficacy can be identified by calculating the sun protection factor
(SPF), which is defined as the UV energy required to produce a Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED)
in protected skin, divided by the UV energy required to produce a MED in unprotected skin:

SPF= Minimal erythema dose in sunscreen protected skin/ Minimal erythema dose in
nonsunscreen protected skin

The minimal erythemal dose (MED) is defined as the lowest time interval or dosage of UV light
irradiation sufficient to produce minimal, perceptible erythema on the unprotected layer of skin.
In Vitro SPF values of oily formulations containing vegetable oils and/or organic UV filters were
calculated spectrophotometrically and observed absorbance values at 5 nm intervals (290-320
nm) were calculated spectrophotometrically
3. Development of Formulation
3.1. STEP 1
Melt beeswax and Shea Butter in a china dish after that add Almond Oil, Coconut oil, Rosehip
Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, and Olive Oil in measured quantities and heat up to 75℃.

3.2. STEP 2
Add Rose Water and Gelatin in another china dish in measured quantity. Heat the mixture up to
75℃.

3.3. STEP 3

Mix both the mixture and stir gently until a smooth cream is formed at room temperature.

3.4. Evaluation Parameters

3.4.1. Physical Parameters

Appearance, color, and homogeneity are determined.

4. Subjective Properties
4.1. In Vitro evaluation by UV Spectroscopy
1 gm quantity of formulated cream was weighted, transferred to 100 ml volumetric flask, and
diluted to volume with n- butyl alcohol. Further, it was kept for ultra-sonication for 5 min and
filtered through a cotton filter, discarding the initial 10 ml. Afterwards 5 ml aliquot was
transferred to 25 ml volumetric flask and the volume was adjusted with n-propyl alcohol. The
absorption spectra of samples were obtained in the range of 290-400 nm using 1 cm quartz cell
and n- butyl alcohol as blank solution. The absorption data obtained in the range of 290-320 nm
every 5 nm interval.

4.3. Rancidity
Rancidification is the process of complete or incomplete oxidation or hydrolysis of fats and oils
when exposed to air, light, or moisture or by bacterial action, resulting in an unpleasant taste and
odor. Rancidity is performed by using the Phloroglucinol solution. The rancidity is due to the
oxidation of the fats and oils; during oxidation free fatty acids are liberated. These free fatty
acids react with the Phloroglucinol solution and give pink color indicating the rancidity of the
product. 10 ml of cream was taken then added 10 ml of concentrated Hydrochloric acid and 10
ml of Phloroglucinol solution and shaken for one minute. The cream should have passed the test
if no pink color develops.
4.4. pH Determination
PH denotes “Potential of Hydrogen” and is a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of
an aqueous solution. Acidic solutions are measured to have lower pH values than basic or
alkaline solutions. The cream in general has a pH of 6 to 9.
4.5. Procedure
All the formulations were water in oil emulsion. The pH of the cream is measured by
making a 10% dilution of the cream and the pH is measured by the pH meter. The electrode
must be washed and free from any residue of acid and alkali to ensure an accurate reading.
4.6. Viscosity
Viscosity is an important parameter in the evaluation of the cream. Viscosity governs many
properties of the cream such as spreadability, pouring ability of the cream from the
container, etc. The viscosity of formulation was determined by using Brookfield Viscometer
and Viscosity was found to be in the range of 28000-32000 cp. The Viscosity is determined
by using the following formula:

Viscosity = Dial Reading × Factor. For LV-4 at 6 RPM Factor is 1M (1000)

Table 2 Evaluation of herbal sunscreen
Parameters Formulation Ⅰ Formulation Ⅱ Formulation Ⅲ
Appearance Smooth, Opaque Smooth , Opaque Smooth , Opaque
Color Pale Yellow Pale Yellow Pale Yellow
Consistency Good Good Good
Texture Smooth Smooth Very Smooth
Irritation Non Non Non
Spread ability Good Good Good
Extrudability Fair Good Good
pH 7. 3 7. 2 7. 1
Rancidity No Pink color No Pink color No Pink color
Viscosity 28408 28540 30200
SPF by UV 21. 35 27 34
5. Results and discussion

Results of our study revealed that 100% of selected herbal sunscreens are photostable in
the UVB range, and 71% of them are stable in both UVA and UVB range. Subjective
study by in vivo SPF determination revealed that 98% of the sunscreens effectively
provide protection to the skin from sunburns. Overall data obtained after quality
evaluation study substantiate that all products are safe and efficacious. Total SPF
obtained from formulation is 34 SPF.

6. Conclusion

Radiation causes various precarious and damaging effects on the skin. It causes skin
cancer, hyperpigmentation, photo-aging, sunburn, and skin irritation. Herbal cosmetics
possess property to protect skin from damaging effects of sun rays with no comedogenic
and side effects. The present review focuses on the scientific account of herbals in
cosmetics. Active constituents extracted from herbals have a potent UV shielding effect.
Herbs are eco-friendly, compatible, and widespread compared to synthetic ones

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