Comparative Physicochemical Properties and Photoprotective Efficacy of Homemade and Commercial Herbal Sunscreens

Yakup Budak

doi:10.17776/csj.1697565

Comparative Physicochemical Properties and Photoprotective Efficacy of Homemade and Commercial Herbal Sunscreens

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause significant damage to human skin, leading to both acute and chronic adverse effects. While commercial sunscreens provide protection, increasing consumer concerns about synthetic ingredients have driven interest toward natural alternatives. This study investigated the physicochemical properties and photoprotective efficacy of homemade and commercial herbal sunscreens available in the Turkish market. The homemade formulations were developed using scientifically validated herbal extracts with known photoprotective properties, including green tea (Camellia sinensis), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), carrot seed oil (Daucus carota), raspberry seed oil (Rubus idaeus), and lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia). Five different herbal sunscreen formulations (F1-F5) were prepared using standardized procedures and compared with commercial products regarding pH, spreadability, homogeneity, stability, and estimated sun protection factor (SPF) values. The formulations were characterized using established physicochemical methods, including pH measurement, spreadability tests, microscopic examination, stability tests, and in vitro SPF determination. Results demonstrated that the homemade herbal formulations exhibited superior performance with pH values ranging from 6.7 to 7.1, which is optimal for skin compatibility. The homemade formulations showed excellent homogeneity (4-5/5) and stability (5/5), with estimated SPF values ranging from 30 to 34, significantly higher than most commercial herbal products (mean SPF 25.3 ± 4.2). Formulation F5, containing green tea extract and raspberry seed oil, exhibited the highest estimated SPF value (34) and excellent physicochemical properties. Microscopic examination revealed that mineral filter particles were well-dispersed in homemade formulations, while commercial products showed variable particle distribution. This study provides scientific evidence that properly formulated homemade sunscreens with herbal ingredients can offer comparable or superior photoprotection compared to commercial products, while potentially providing additional benefits from bioactive plant compounds. However, further in vivo testing and long-term stability studies are recommended to confirm these findings and establish standardized formulation guidelines for herbal sunscreens.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Natural Products and Bioactive Compounds , Organic Chemistry (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Yakup Budak ^*
0000-0001-7108-5548
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 30, 2025

Submission Date

May 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 6, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Volume: 46 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17776/csj.1697565

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69PD66FJ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Budak, Y. (2025). Comparative Physicochemical Properties and Photoprotective Efficacy of Homemade and Commercial Herbal Sunscreens. Cumhuriyet Science Journal, 46(4), 753-761. https://doi.org/10.17776/csj.1697565