FORMULATION AND SPF EVALUATION OF SUNSCREEN GEL CONTAINING MURRAYA KOENIGII LEAF EXTRACT

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to skin damage and premature aging. Murraya koenigii leaves contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide photoprotective effects. This study aimed to formulate Murraya koenigii leaf extract into sunscreen gels and evaluate their physical characteristics and in vitro sun protection factor (SPF). Methodology: Murraya koenigii leaves were extracted by maceration using 90% ethanol. The resulting extract was incorporated into sunscreen gel formulations at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 9% (F0–F3). The formulations were evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesiveness, and in vitro SPF. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Normality and homogeneity were assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests, respectively. Normally distributed and homogeneous data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, while non-normally distributed data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: All formulations showed homogeneous characteristics with acceptable physical appearance. The pH values ranged from 5.20 ± 0.02 to 6.38 ± 0.02, while viscosity increased from 30,562 ± 18.46 cP in F0 to 39,854 ± 16.11 cP in F3. Increasing extract concentration was associated with decreased spreadability and increased adhesiveness. The in vitro SPF values increased progressively with extract concentration, from 1.83 ± 0.08 in F0 to 9.54 ± 0.09, 15.92 ± 0.04, and 18.77 ± 0.16 in F1, F2, and F3, respectively. Conclusion: Murraya koenigii leaf extract can be successfully incorporated into sunscreen gel formulations. The 9% extract formulation (F3) exhibited the highest in vitro SPF and demonstrated promising potential as a natural active ingredient for sunscreen gel preparations.