Abstract

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUNSCREENING EFFECIENCY OF LYCOPENE AND BETA – CAROTENE PRESENT IN TOMATO AND CARROT

*Nupur Wasule and Mamta Chopde

ABSTRACT

Plant constituents like carotenoids can prevent UV damage by providing maximum absorption at wavelength of UV rays. Phytochemicals like lycopene and beta-carotene can be extracted by using solvent extraction process from red fruits and vegetables like tomato and carrot respectively. Evaluation of UV absorbance of both lycopene and beta-carotene was performed by spectrophotometer to determine the maximum absorbance value or absorbance maxima. In the further study, sunscreen cream base was formulated and active incorporations were done. After incorporation of active in a base, observations of pH, assessment of SPF or Sun Protection Factor, viscosity, total fatty matter were performed to see the stability and effectiveness of sunscreen cream. Lycopene and beta-carotene showed absorbance maximas of 0.595 and 0.586 at 360nm respectively. In finish products analysis, total fatty matter of both lycopene and beta-carotene sunscreen creams were found to be 16.45% and 16.25% and SPF of both the creams were 24 and 22 respectively. Physical observation of the cream’s organoleptic properties; pH, viscosity, colour and odour were found to be stable for 30 days of storage. Thus, in this study lycopene was the better sunscreening agent with better absorbing power.

Keywords: Sunscreening agent, Lycopene, Beta-carotene, UV protection, Sun Protection Factor.