An Optimized Cosmetic Screening Assay for Ultraviolet B (UVB) Protective Property of Natural Products

Abstract

In an era where everyone is seeking everlasting youth, preventing photodamage by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is of key interest to the cosmetic industry. Inhibiting the production of UVR-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) is often the targeted function of cosmetic products, and a suitably reliable model is needed to test this. Hence, the current protocol was designed to effectively analyze the ultraviolet (UV) protective effect of bioactive natural product compounds against photodamage caused by UVR, specifically UVB radiation. Analysis of bioactive compounds that were previously reported to have UV protective properties using this model yielded data that showed the reproducibility and reliability of this model in determining UVB protective properties of the bioactive natural product compounds of interest. Thus, this setup model can be used for future endeavors such as the study of UVB protective properties of other natural products or as a basis of a model for UVA and UVC protective designs. It has potential application in cosmetic studies, as this model can also be developed to be used as a quick screen on potential plant or biological extracts that are to be included in sunscreen formulations or other UV protective cosmetic products, thus reducing cost spent on research and development of new products. It can also be developed further to include studies using 3D skin tissue models, allowing more analysis to be done on any product developed.