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.