PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS OF PLANT-BASED DERIVATIVES IN SUNSCREEN: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO SKIN PROTECTION

The Sun, while essential for life, can cause significant harm through prolonged exposure, particularly due to UV radiation. This can lead to various skin problems, including accelerated aging, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, and even skin cancer. This paper provides an overview of different types of sunscreens, their history and classifications as per their mechanism of action. Protecting the skin from sun damage is vital, and sunscreen is one of the most effective prevention methods. With the growing influence of social media highlighting its importance, most people now recognize the need for daily sunscreen use. Available worldwide, sunscreens offer a wide variety of formulations to suit individual needs. The following section will explore potential phytoconstituents that can be incorporated into sunscreen products as an alternative to synthetic filters. KEYWORDS: Sunscreen, UV A, UV B, UV C, skin cancer, Sun Protection Factor, Physical sunscreen, Chemical sunscreen, Systemic sunscreen, Sustainable, Plant-based derivatives, Ozone layer, Lignin, Rosmarinic Acid, Eucheuma cottonii, Hylocereus polyrhizus, L-Ergothioneine, Moringa oleifera, Padina australis, Pterocarpus marsupium, Rutin succinate, Salicornia europaea, Sargassum glaucescens, Scytonemin, Sorbates, Strychnos af. darienensis, Fucoxanthin