Formulation, Physicochemical Standardization, and Photoprotective Evaluation of a Polyherbal Sunscreen Cream Containing Aloe barbadensis, Daucus carota, and Pterocarpus santalinus

Abstract

Background: Chronic exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers complex biological damage, including severe erythema, accelerated photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and elevated risk profiles for cutaneous malignancies. While synthetic organic UV filters offer robust photoprotection, their routine dermatological use is frequently limited by high rates of photocontact allergic sensitization, localized irritation, and systemic bioaccumulation concerns. This study describes the development, comprehensive physicochemical standardization, and photoprotective screening of an oil-in-water (o/w) polyherbal sunscreen cream incorporating active fractions of Aloe vera, Carrot seed oil (Daucus carota), and Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus).

Methods: The o/w emulsion cream was synthesized using a blended emulsifier system consisting of stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, and triethanolamine, serving as the carrier matrix for the phytochemically active ingredients. Standard organoleptic inspection, homogeneity, potentiometric skin-pH compatibility, spreadability kinetics, and centrifugal phase stability profiles were monitored. The in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was systematically determined via spectrophotometric analysis scanning the 290–320 nm UV-B spectrum.
Results & Conclusion: The optimized polyherbal cream presented as a smooth, homogeneous, light pinkish-cream matrix possessing a highly refreshing, pleasant aromatic odor and zero phase separation. The potentiometric pH ranged between 6.2 and 6.6, matching standard human epidermal envelopes. Rheological spreadability was uniform under low mechanical shear force, and the formulation exhibited no signs of grittiness. Spectrophotometric evaluation confirmed a robust, built-in in vitro SPF rating, validating the synergistic UV-absorbing performance of the natural carotenoid and polyphenolic constituents. The findings establish that this polyherbal preparation serves as an effective, highly biocompatible, and non-toxic alternative to conventional synthetic topical sunscreens