Evaluation of sunscreen cream incorporated with astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis in different storage conditions

Abstract

The use of sunscreen is highly recommended to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. Natural substances from natural source, such as astaxanthin, have been considered as potential sunscreen resources due to high UV ray absorption and antioxidant activity. However, substances originated from nature usually has low stability especially when incorporated into a mixture of ingredients with different physicochemical properties. Thus, this study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of astaxanthin sunscreen cream from Haematococcus pluvialis extract at different storage conditions (25 °C, 4 °C, and 40 °C). The developed astaxanthin sunscreen cream formulations (F1=0%, F2=0.5% and F3=1.0% astaxanthin) were evaluated for SPF, pH and viscosity. Inclusion of astaxanthin in the sunscreen cream formulations significantly increase the SPF value at all storage conditions with higher SPF were observed at room temperature (25 °C). Astaxanthin significantly lower the pH of the base cream (F1) when stored at lower and higher temperatures (4 °C and 40 °C) but had no effect on pH at room temperature (25 °C). Viscosity was affected when stored at higher temperature (40 °C). This study shows that astaxanthin is an excellent natural UV filter that can improve the efficacy of the sunscreen and stable at room temperature (25 °C) with higher SPF observed and no significant change in pH and viscosity. In summary, the results will benefit the cosmetics industry and provide an alternative natural sunscreen cream to consumers.