FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NOVEL ROOT BASED VEGETABLE SUNSCREEN PREPARATION

The increasing awareness regarding the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation has accelerated the demand for natural and herbal sunscreen formulations. Synthetic sunscreens are associated with adverse reactions such as skin irritation, phototoxicity, endocrine disruption, and environmental hazards. Therefore, the present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a novel beetroot-based herbal sunscreen preparation using natural phytoconstituents possessing antioxidant and photoprotective activity. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) contains betalains, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and carotenoids which contribute significantly toward UV absorption and free radical scavenging activity. In this study, ethanolic extract of beetroot was incorporated into cream formulations at varying concentrations. The formulations were evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, homogeneity, stability, skin irritation, antioxidant activity, and Sun Protection Factor (SPF).The optimized formulation exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties with good stability and skin compatibility. SPF values increased proportionally with extract concentration, indicating promising photoprotective potential. Antioxidant studies confirmed significant free radical scavenging activity due to the presence of betalains and polyphenols. The formulation demonstrated broad-spectrum UV protection and may serve as a safer alternative to synthetic sunscreen products. The results suggest that beetroot extract possesses considerable potential as a natural sunscreen active ingredient in cosmeceutical formulations.