Green approach for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their enhanced sun protection factor in the presence of octocrylene

This research project aims to create and test an eco-friendly method for producing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using herbal extracts. The goal is to study how these nanoparticles can boost the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreens when used along with the synthetic UV filter octocrylene. To make the ZnO NPs extracts from green tea, Bhringraj, Licorice and Cinnamon were used. These nanoparticles were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sunscreen compositions were formulated as oil in water emulsions with or without octocrylene incorporating the ZnO NPs. Stability tests were carried out to monitor pH levels, colour and viscosity over the eight weeks at 45°C. The Sun Protection Factor study was done in vitro using a UV spectrophotometer. The results showed that formulations containing both ZnO NPs and octocrylene had SPF levels compared to using octocrylene or ZnO NPs alone. Around 1.4 to 1.65 times higher than octocrylene alone and 3.7 to 4.5 times higher than ZnO NPs alone. The stability study demonstrated changes in pH, viscosity and colour during storage. Conclusion: In conclusion eco-friendly production of ZnO NPs utilizing herbal extracts presents a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. When combined with octocrylene these nanoparticles significantly enhance the SPF of products. In conclusion eco-friendly production of ZnO NPs utilizing herbal extracts presents a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. When combined with octocrylene these nanoparticles significantly enhance the SPF of products. This study introduces an eco-friendly approach, to creating high SPF sunscreens focusing on sustainability and addressing safety and environmental issues in sun care products. The rising demand for sunscreens has triggered the exploration of innovative methods for producing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) that go beyond traditional chemical processes. The research exhibits a synthesis method for ZnO NPs using herbal extracts from green tea leaves, Bhringraj leaves, Liquorice roots and Cinnamon bark avoiding the use of harmful precursors. The results display dispersed ZnO NPs with an average size of 100 nm. Furthermore, the study investigates how these green synthesized ZnO NPs interact with the synthetic UV filter octocrylene to potentially enhance SPF in sunscreen formulations. By combining these components, the study shows an increase in SPF compared to using them individually. This study adds to the knowledge of how green synthesized ZnO NPs enhance efficacy of sunscreen products. This study also introduces an innovative approach, for creating eco-friendly effective sunscreens that could revolutionize sun protection methods.