Development and Evaluation of a Cost-Effective UV-Protective Cream Containing Para- Aminobenzoic Acid and Aloe Vera for Indian Climatic Conditions.

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2025 | Volume : 2 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Maya Sharma,

  • Ranu Sharma,

  • Hemlata Salvi,

  • P.K. Choudhury,

  1. Associate Professor, PAHER University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  2. Associate Professor, PAHER University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  3. Associate Professor, PAHER University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  4. Dean and Professor, PAHER University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The increasing incidence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced skin disorders has heightened the demand for effective, affordable photoprotective agents, especially in countries with high sun exposure such as India. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective and efficient UV-B protective cream formulation suitable for populations in Indian latitudes. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) was selected as the primary sunscreening agent due to its high UV-B absorption efficiency, low toxicity, and affordability compared with many synthetic and imported commercial sunscreens. The study was conducted in two main phases: (i) formulation and optimization of cream bases (C1–C6) and (ii) evaluation of the developed formulations for sensory, physicochemical, and photoprotective properties. Base optimization identified formulation C3 as the most suitable candidate for UV-B protection. Six creams containing varying concentrations of PABA (1–3%) and aloe vera (0 or 10%) were prepared using the phase inversion method. All formulations were evaluated for pH, emulsion type, acid and saponification values, extrudibility, spreadability, viscosity, and drug content. Both in-vitro and in-vivo sun protection factor (SPF) values were determined, alongside stability assessments using freeze–thaw cycles. Results indicated that all creams complied with pharmacopeial standards, and SPF values increased proportionally with PABA concentration and aloe vera content. The formulation containing 2% PABA and 10% aloe vera (C5) demonstrated optimal balance between sensory qualities, SPF efficacy (in-vitro SPF: 6.7; in-vivo SPF: 6.2), and stability. The study highlights the potential of cost-effective sunscreen formulations tailored to Indian climatic conditions, providing a practical solution for large-scale public use in low- and middle-income populations.

Keywords: UV-shielding, para-aminobenzoic acid, aloe vera, topical formulation, SPF evaluation, photoprotection.

How to cite this article:
Maya Sharma, Ranu Sharma, Hemlata Salvi, P.K. Choudhury. Development and Evaluation of a Cost-Effective UV-Protective Cream Containing Para- Aminobenzoic Acid and Aloe Vera for Indian Climatic Conditions.. Recent Trends in Cosmetics. 2025; 02(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Maya Sharma, Ranu Sharma, Hemlata Salvi, P.K. Choudhury. Development and Evaluation of a Cost-Effective UV-Protective Cream Containing Para- Aminobenzoic Acid and Aloe Vera for Indian Climatic Conditions.. Recent Trends in Cosmetics. 2025; 02(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rtc/article=2025/view=234564


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 02
02
Received 12/08/2025
Accepted 21/09/2025
Published 17/12/2025
Publication Time 127 Days
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