title: Chemical analysis and in vitro UV-protection characteristics of clays traditionally used for sun protection in South Africa.
abstract: Clays have been used in southern Africa as photoprotectants by the indigenous people. Typically, two types of clay are used: one white in colour and the other red. In this work, the two clays were identified and characterized, and their in vitro SPF values measured. The clays afford a low SPF but offer broad-spectrum protection. No cutaneous side effects from the use of these clays are known. Further consideration should be given to the potential use of clays in sunscreen preparations.
authors: Dermatology Department, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. dlovan@ukzn.ac.za
authors: Ncoza C
authors: NC
authors: Dlova
authors: Funanani T
authors: FT
authors: Nevondo
authors: Elizabeth M
authors: EM
authors: Mwangi
authors: Beverley
authors: B
authors: Summers
authors: Joyce
authors: J
authors: Tsoka-Gwegweni
authors: Bice S
authors: BS
authors: Martincigh
authors: Dulcie A
authors: DA
authors: Mulholland
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077215:Clay; D006801:Humans; D013019:South Africa; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D000077215:Clay