Abstract Oil-in-water photoprotective nanoemulsions (NEs) were developed using Babassu (BBS) lipophilic extract, nonionic surfactants, and low concentrations of organic sunscreens by ultrasonic processing. BBS extract was chosen due to its suitable physicochemical properties (acidity index, peroxide index, refraction index, and relative density) and predominance of saturated fatty acids, identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which promote biological activities and high oxidative stability. NEs were characterized by mean droplet size, morphology, polydispersity index (PdI), pH, and organoleptic properties, and the physical stability of the NEs was evaluated for 120 days at room temperature. The sun protection factor (SPF) was determined, and the photostability and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed for NEs. All NEs remained stable for 120 days, with a droplet size <150 nm and a monomodal distribution profile. The pH values were compatible with the skin’s pH. NE3 showed a spherical morphology, with a mean droplet size of 125.15 ± 0.16 nm and PdI of 0.145 ± 0.032. NE3 containing BBS extract and sunscreens presented an SPF of 35.5 ± 3.0, was photostable after 6 h of radiation and was non-cytotoxic to fibroblast cells. Thus, NE3 could be considered a promising formulation for developing synergic plant-extract sunscreen photoprotective products for the market.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a corrective and photoprotective makeup for patients with dyschromias. An emulsion was prepared and pigment mixtures were incorporated in the formulation, producing five shades of corrective makeup: BEIGE (I, II, III), BRONZE and TAN. The sun protection factor (SPF) and UVA/UVB ratio of the corrective makeup were determined using spectrophotometry with a Labsphere® analyser. The spreadability, occlusivity, stability, and photostability of the photoprotective formulations were also evaluated. For all formulations there was no statistical difference among them (p > 0.05) in terms of spreadability, occlusivity and SPF. They were considered to be photostable under solar radiation, with variations in SPF value and UVA/UVB ratio lower than 20%. The corrective makeup presented average-to-high UVB photoprotection and broad spectrum photoprotection. After 90 days, pH, density and SPF values showed no significant differences among formulations (p>0.05). All corrective makeup presented separation of the pigments, however, they returned to a homogeneous aspect and to the original color shade after shaking. The corrective makeup presented a fine texture, little brightness, and a homogeneous, dry-to-the-touch aspect. This work may benefit patients with dyschromias, improving their quality of life, besides promoting photoprotection and covering the skin blemishes.

ABSTRACT This article reports the development and characterization of a nanoemulsion (NE) able to improve the cutaneous penetration of nifedipine. NE with nifedipine was development and characterized, presenting droplet size of 20 nm with low polydispersity index (IP<0.1), spherical shape without aggregation, pH compatible with typical skin levels and stability evaluated by seven months. In the permeation studies, a classical formulation based in an oil/water cream containing nifedipine was used for comparison with NE. Nanoemulsion promoted and improved the retention of nifedipine in the epidermis and dermis in relation to classical formulation. This promoting effect is related to the nanometric size of the droplets of the NE (20 nm), which give him a large superficial area, favoring the contact of the nanocarrier with the skin surface. The NE was efficient in promoting accumulation of nifedipine in the dermis, which is the site of vasodilation action. NE was not irritating according to the primary dermal irritation tests. NE is a promising release system to promote cutaneous penetration of nifedipine and can be used in the future in clinical trials to promote healing of lesions caused by peripheral vascular diseases.

ABSTRACT Diseases caused by insects are frequent in poor countries, leading to epidemic scenarios in urban areas; e.g., Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. For this reason, the development of a safe and efficient topical formulation is essential. Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EB) is a mosquito repellent developed by Merck, which is used in products for adults, children and especially babies, due to its low allergenic potential. The aim of this work was to validate an analytical methodology to quantify EB in a new poloxamer-based formulation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The quantification methodology was performed at 40 ºC using a Kromasil reverse-phase column (C18), with the dimensions of 250 x 4.6 mm. The mobile phase was acetonitrile:water (1:1) at a 1.0 mL/min flow-rate. The detector wavelength was set at 218 nm to detect EB. The methodology was considered validated since the results indicated linearity (R2>0.99), specificity, selectivity, precision and accuracy (active recovery between 98% and 102%). It also presented limits of detection and quantification of 0.255 µg/mL and 0.849 µg/mL, respectively. The present study demonstrated the EB vehiculated in poloxamer gel is promising as a new insect repellent formulation, since it could be quantified and quality control evaluated.

ABSTRACT Chronic exposure to solar radiation could contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Skin presents its own antioxidant defense, however when defenses are out of balance, reactive oxygen species could damage biological structures. In the present work, an oil-in-water photoprotective emulsion was developed and Bauhinia microstachya var. massambabensis Vaz, Fabaceae, extracts at 1% (obtained by extraction with different solvents) were added to this emulsion. In vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety of the formulations were evaluated. Spectrophotometric methods and in vivo Colipa test were performed to evaluated efficacy of the formulations, through sun protection factor (SPF) determination and UVA protection factor assessment. To the in vitro safety assessment HET-CAM, CAM-TBS and Red Blood Cell tests were performed. Results showed that both extracts contributed to a higher in vivo photoprotection (SPF 18) when compared to the formulation without extract (SPF 13), this result could be attributed to the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts that act by capturing reactive oxygen species. Concerning safety, all formulations were considered non-irritant according to in vitro tests. Formulations containing extracts could be considered efficient and safe for cosmetic use since they presented higher sun protection factor and passed the toxicity tests.