title: UV-blocking potential of oils and juices.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sunscreens are commonly used to protect the body from damage caused by UV light. Some components of organic sunscreens have been shown to pass through the skin during wear which could raise toxicity concerns for these compounds. This study explores the potential for oils and fruit and vegetable juices to be substitutes for these compounds.
  
  
  METHODS
  The absorptivity of various oils (canola oil, citronella oil, coconut oil, olive oil, soya bean oil, vitamin E, as well as aloe vera) and fruit and vegetable juices (acerola, beet, grape, orange carrot, purple carrot and raspberry) was measured in vitro. The mean absorptivity was compared with FDA-approved UV absorbers to gauge the potential of the natural products. The most promising candidates were incorporated into formulations, and the UV transmittance of a 20-μm-thick film of the formulation was measured. The formulations were also imaged by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The absorptivity of oils was at least two orders of magnitude lower compared to the commercial UV blockers. The fruit juice powders were more effective at UV blocking but still showed an order of magnitude lower absorptivity compared to commercial UV blockers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The UV blocking from most natural oils is insufficient to obtain a significant UV protection. Formulations containing 50wt% purple carrot showed good UV-blocking capabilities and represent a promising ingredient for sunscreen and cosmetic applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, U.S.A.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gause
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, U.S.A.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chauhan
mesh_terms: D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014675:Vegetables / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D010938:Plant Oils; D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: UV protection; UV-VIS/Fluo/CD spectroscopy; emulsions; formulation skin care; stability; suncare; texture