Additive potential of Araças fruit extracts in sunscreens: a multidimensional study of the impact on SPF

Abstract Growing concern about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation has driven the development of safer, more effective, and sustainable sunscreens. This study evaluated the potential additives of ethanolic extracts from the fruits of five araça species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest— Psidium cattleyanum var. lucidum; Psidium guineense ; Psidium acutangulum var. oblongatum; Psidium myrtoides ; and Eugenia stipitata —in cosmetic formulations containing ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), aiming to increase the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The formulations were prepared with 1% of the extracts, and the SPF was determined by in vitro UV spectrophotometry . The resulting extracts showed a significant increase in the SPF of the sunscreens, with emphasis on P. guineense (30%), followed by P. acutangulum var. oblongatum and E. stipitata (28%), and P. cattleyanum var. Lucidum (20%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and tannins, compounds associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, whitening, photoprotective, and regenerative activities. Spectrophotometric data demonstrated that the ripening stage of the fruits influenced photoprotective efficacy, with extracts from green fruits demonstrating superior UVA/UVB absorption than ripe (yellow) fruits. The results indicate that araça fruit extracts have a synergistic action with conventional UV filters, allowing a minimum 40% reduction in the concentration of synthetic organic filters and a 60% cost savings on photoprotective formulations. Therefore, these araça extracts constitute promising multifunctional additives, aligned with the " safe-by-design " approach, integrating efficacy, safety, and sustainability in the development of new sunscreens.