Soft nanostructures for sun protection formulations

Abstract

Sun protection formulations have undergone significant advancements, incorporating soft nanostructures to enhance their efficacy, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Nanoemulsions, with their controlled droplet size and improved ultraviolet (UV) absorption, are utilized in sunscreen formulations, boosting their photoprotective effects. Microemulsions, offering enhanced dispersion and delivery, enable the incorporation of new active ingredients, improving stability and skin permeation. Pickering emulsions, stabilized by particles provide stable, eco-friendly alternatives. Nanostructured lipid carriers, facilitate efficient encapsulation and delivery of various compounds, enhancing both UV protection and skin penetration. Nanoparticles (NPs), demonstrate promising results in improving photostability, preventing skin penetration, and enhancing antioxidant properties of sunscreens. SunSpheresTM, advanced UV boosters, scatter UV radiation effectively when integrated into sunscreen formulations, significantly increasing their sun protection factor values. This review highlights the diverse applications of soft nanostructures in sun protection, emphasizing their crucial role in the evolution of sunscreens for optimal skin safety and protection against UV radiation.