Abstract

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS SUNSCREEN:A PHYTOCOSMETIC FORMULATION

Akhila C.V.*, Afra K.P., Arshida T.K., Gayathri, Musfira Ismayil T.K. and Vyshnavy Devy D. K.

ABSTRACT

The study focuses on the development and evaluation enriched Calendula officinalis extract, a plant known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. The formulation was intended to offer broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet radiation while providing additional skin benefits attributed to the bioactive compounds in Calendula officinalis, such as flavonoids and triterpenoids. The extract was incorporated into an oil-in-water cream base, and the final product was assessed for its physical and chemical stability, sun protection factor (SPF), antioxidant capacity via DPPH assay, and organoleptic characteristics. Results demonstrated that the Calendula officinalis enriched formulation displayed good homogeneity, no phase separation under stress conditions, and a satisfactory SPF value, indicating effective UV absorption. Additionally, the formulation exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity, supporting its antioxidantpotential. These findings suggest that Calendula officinalis extract can be a valuable natural ingredient in sunscreen formulations. However, further in vivo studies are required to establish its long-term efficacy and dermatological safety in human subjects.

Keywords: Calendula officinalis, Sunscreen, SPF, Herbal cosmetics, Antioxidant activity, Photoprotection.