FIELD OF INVENTION
The field of invention pertains to the field of herbal cosmetics. More specifically it pertains to a
novel herbal sunscreen formulation and method thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Terms and Definition5 s
Sunscreen: is a lotion, spray, gel or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the
sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen)
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB
10 rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.
(http://www.badgerbalm.com/s-30-what-is-spf-sunscreen-sun-protection-factor.aspxs)
UV (Ultraviolet): is an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 400 nm (750 THz) to
10 nm (30 PHz), shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet). There are 3 main types of UV rays viz. UVA, UVB
15 and UVC.
Shea butter: It is the plant fat of the nuts of the African Karite tree and contains allantoin, vitamin
A & E. It has potent moisturizing, emollient and anti-ageing effect. It provides skin care protection
against UV radiations and has anti-inflammatory & soothing properties to heal minor wound &
irritated skin.
20 Almond oil: It is the oil obtained from almond nuts. It is rich in β-sitosterol, squalene and vitamin
E. It provides skin care protection against UV radiations. It is an excellent emollient (leaves the
skin soft, smooth and conditioned), good nourishing & revitalizing effect (penetrates well the
skin), moisturizer & lubricant, heals injured & chapped skin.
Raspberry seed oil: It is excellent light & nourishing oil with valuable emmolient for skin. It
25 provides ultimate skin care protection against UV radiations.
3
Jojoba oil: It is an excellent moisturizer & emollient (prevents transdermal water loss), antiwrinkle-
agent (provides smoothness & softness), good lubricant and protects partly from UV
radiation.
Zinc oxide: It provides physical barrier by reflecting or absorbing or blocking radiations from sun.
Introduction to the Inventi5 on
The exposure to UV radiations is major reason for the skin related disorders like cancer etc.
Sunlight is the major source for UV radiations and due to increase in pollution and formation of
black hole in the layer of atmosphere there is always a need for solutions which can potentially
resist UV radiation effect. The present invention discloses a novel herbal composition as a
10 sunscreen which protects skin from UV radiations.
Many chemical based sunscreens are present in the market but they possess certain disadvantages
viz. they can mimic the hormones and may cause disruption, allergic reactions etc. Chemical
sunscreen consists of harmful ingredients which block the sunlight but are also absorbed by the
skin hence, safety issue is of major concern. They can also cause irritation in eye, photosensitivity
15 and dermatitis.
The present invention discloses a novel herbal sunscreen consisting Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc oxide as active ingredients which acts as a potential sunscreen
with SPF-15. Zinc oxide is used as it possess very less penetration in humans, is not absorbed by
the skin and also does not contribute to any hormonal disruption. The sunscreen of present
20 invention is easy to formulate, cost-effective and effective. All its ingredients are easily available.
PRIOR ART
S.No. Prior Patent Present invention
1.
CN1347724 A: Discloses an anti-whitening
sunscreen lotion, creams characterized by the
following materials and methods, its weight
made of: green wood, white tuber,
Chuanxiong, guaiac, purple nutsedge,
The present invention does not
disclose sunscreen lotion
comprising green wood, white
tuber, Chuanxiong, guaiac, purple
nutsedge, Angelica, Poria, nard and
sheep marrow.
4
Angelica, Poria, nard and sheep marrow
which provides UV protection.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients.
2. CN1611207 A: Discloses a sun protection
skin-moistening cream containing synthetic
oil raccoon otter oil ,stearate , Vaseline ,
glycerol monostearate , Stearyl alcohol ,
DRUGS immersion fluid , sodium lauryl
sulfate , Stearic acid nitrilotriacetic acid ,
sorbitan anhydrides polyoxyethylene
stearate , glycerol , Nigerian Platinum A fat
flavor , immersion liquid herbal with
formula: pearl powder hydrolyzate , Yiyiren
royal jelly , bellflower , Poria , Water
Balance synthetic oil formulation: ,oleic acid
monoglyceride stearate bran oil , glycerol
monooleate , triple pressed stearic acid , cetyl
alcohol , cholesterol and fat , beeswax white
oil .
The present invention does not
disclose sun protection skinmoistening
cream components
described in prior art.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients.
1. CN102366361 A: Discloses a whitening
skincare sunscreen lotion, comprising the
following components by weight: group A:
liquid lanolin, tween-20, citric acid, 75%
ethanol, glycerin, coix seed extract,
propylene glycol, jojoba oil, algal
polysaccharide emollient, methyl phydroxybenzoate,
and EDTA-2Na;
Group B: cortex moutan extract, scutellaria
extract, vitamin B3, rose essential oil,
The present invention does not
disclose sunscreen lotion
comprising components which are
used in prior art patent.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients.
5
purified water, a preservative, an antioxidant
and lemon essence.
2. CN 102406579 A: Discloses herbal sunscreening
lotion comprises the following
components: Schisandra chinensis extract,
Vaseline, octadecanol, pearl powder,
simethicone, methylparaben, beewax,
squalane, collagen, hyaluronic acid, oat
glucan, natural herbal extract and the balance
of deioned water.
The present invention does not
disclose herbal sun-screening lotion
comprising Schisandra chinensis
extract, Vaseline, octadecanol,
pearl powder, simethicone,
methylparaben, beewax, squalane,
collagen, hyaluronic acid, oat
glucan, natural herbal extract and
the balance of deioned water.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients.
3. CN102813710 B: Discloses medicine
composition for UV-A, UV-B protection
comprising berberine extract, angelica
extract material, Cnidium Extract, Paeonia
extract, licorice extract and herbal extracts
The present invention does not
disclose medicine composition for
UV-A, UV-B protection
comprising berberine extract,
angelica extract material, Cnidium
Extract, Paeonia extract, licorice
extract and herbal extracts
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients
4. US2005/0175557 A1: Discloses a natural
sunscreen comprising plant extract of
Hedychium spicatum or plant Alpinia
The present invention does not
disclose a natural sunscreen
comprising plant extract of
6
Galanga and a cosmetically acceptable
carrier.
Hedychium spicatum or plant
Alpinia Galanga and a cosmetically
acceptable carrier.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients
5. US 9,056,063 B2: Discloses a natural
sunscreen composition which comprises
naturally occurring oils like cinnamon bark
oil, cocoa oil, coffee oil, cognac oil,
ravensara oil, tansy blue oil, vanilla oil and
yarrow oil.
The present invention does not
disclose a natural sunscreen
composition which comprises
naturally occurring oils like
cinnamon bark oil, cocoa oil, coffee
oil, cognac oil, ravensara oil, tansy
blue oil, vanilla oil and yarrow oil.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients
6. WO2013138445 A2: Discloses a
composition UV-protecting component of
one or more natural extracts consisting of:
milk thistle extract, white willow extract, St
John's wort extract, griffonia seed extract,
Galla chinensis extract, olive leaf extract,
hops extract, gentian extract, bilberry extract,
chrysanthemum extract, coptis root extract,
magnolia bark extract, rhubarb extract, red
clover extract, rose hip extract, schisandra
The present invention does not
disclose composition UVprotecting
described in prior art.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients
7
berry extract, valerian root extract and grape
seed extract.
7. WO2010004355 A2: Discloses herbal skin
lightening composition, fair
complexion and treatment for other skin
related disorder, the composition comprising
extract of roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, bark
of Vateria indica and extract of rhizomes
of Hedychium spicatum and Alpinia
galanga and cosmeceutically acceptable
carriers thereof.
The present invention does not
disclose composition comprising
extract of roots of Glycyrrhiza
glabra, bark of Vateria
indica and extract of rhizomes
of Hedychium spicatum and Alpinia
galangal.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients.
8. Sneha Patil et, al,. (2015): Discloses herbal
sunscreen cream comprising Pongamia
pinnata leave extract and Punica granatum
peel extract.
(Sneha Patil et, al,. DETERMINATION OF
SUN PROTECTION EFFECT OF HERBAL
SUNSCREEN CREAM, WORLD JOURNAL
OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL
SCIENCES, Volume 4, Issue 08, 1554-1565,
2015)
The present invention does not
disclose herbal sunscreen cream
comprising Pongamia pinnata
leave extract and Punica granatum
peel extract.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients
9. Roy Amit et, al,. (2014): Discloses
formulation and development of herbal
sunscreen cream containing extracts of plant
materials such as Terminalia arjuna,
Tinospora cordifolia and Gycyrrhiza glabra.
The present invention does not
disclose formulation and
development of herbal sunscreen
cream containing extracts of plant
materials such as Terminalia
8
(Roy Amit et, al,. Formulation and
Development of Herbal Sunscreen Cream,
Research J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 5(1):
Jan. – June 2014)
arjuna, Tinospora cordifolia and
Gycyrrhiza glabra.
Rather it discloses a novel herbal
composition of sunscreen
comprising Shea butter, almond oil,
raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc
oxide as active ingredients.
Thus none of the prior art patents disclose sunscreen lotion of present invention. Some products
are available in market which comprise few ingredients of present invention but synergistic
composition of present invention is not disclosed in any of them. The same are reviewed below:
S.No. PRODUCT NAME CONTENTS
1. Himalaya Herbals Protective
Sunscreen Lotion (PATENTED)
Extracts of mahabharivacha (Alpinia
galanga) = 70mg, Kumari (Aloe vera) = 30
mg, Gandhapalashi (Hedychium spicatum) =
20 mg, Seva (Pyrus malus) = 20 mg.
2. Kabana Green Screen® Organic SPF
32 Sunscreen and SPF 31 Tinted
Sunscreen
Zinc oxide (25%), non nano, Vitamin E.
3. Raw Elements Eco Formula Lotion
and Eco Stick
Non-nano zinc oxide (22.75%), also nonmicronized,
sunflower oil, green tea, black
tea, cocoa butter, mango butter, Vitamin E.
4. Badger Balm Sunscreens (many
varieties)
zinc oxide (10-22.5%, varies) non-nano
uncoated (>200nm, so not micronized either),
EVOO, shea butter, sunflower oil and
Vitamin E from sunflower oil, various
essential oils, seabuckthorn and vanilla
extracts.
5. Ava Anderson Sunscreen Lotion
SPF 30
Non-nano zinc oxide (23%), olive oil, cocoa
butter, jojoba oil.
9
6. Radiantly You All Natural
Sunscreen
Non-nano zinc oxide, raspberry seed oil,
jojoba oil.
7. Miessence Organics Reflect Outdoor
Balm
Zinc oxide (29.5%), Vitamin E.
8. Mexitan Chemical Free All Natural
Sunscreen
Zinc oxide (6%), titanium dioxide (6%),
micronized but no nano particles, Vitamin E,
green tea.
9. Bare Market Shea Screen Non-nano zinc oxide, Beeswax, Shea Butter,
Coconut oil, Avocado oil, Vitamin E, Aloe
Vera, and Pure Lavender Essential oil.
10. Original Butterbean Sunscreen non-nano uncoated zinc oxide (22%),
coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, Vitamin E.
11. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc
Sunscreen and Sport Stick
Non-nano zinc oxide (22%), sunflower oil,
green tea extract (jojoba oil, cocoa butter and
Vitamin E in the stick).
12. TruKid Sunny Days Mineral, Non-
Chemical Sunscreen
Zinc oxide (20%), non nano (200 micron
sized), Vitamin E, green tea.
13. Dr. Mercola Healthy Skin Natural
Sunscreen with Green Tea or
Astaxanthin
Titanium dioxide (6%), zinc oxide (6%), non
nano particles, Vitamin E, green tea and
sunflower oil.
14. Sol Kid Care by Caribbean Solutions Micronized zinc oxide (3.5%), titanium
dioxide (9%), Vitamin E, wild pansy,
hibiscus and green coffee.
15. MelanSol Non-Chemical Sunscreen Micronized uncoated zinc (10%); UPDATE:
the website describes it as nano particles (30-
60 nano), Vitamin E, green tea, Bio-Melanin.
16. California Baby Sunscreen
Citronella
Titanium dioxide (18%), highly micronized
(non-nano), Vitamin E, Japanese Green Tea.
17. Thinksport SPF 50+ Zinc oxide (20%), non nano, cranberry and
raspberry seed oils.
10
18. Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen Zinc oxide (6%), non-nano, titanium dioxide
(5%), Vitamin E and C, green tea leaf extract,
alpha lipoic acid, grape seed extract.
19. 3rd Rock Sunblock Zinc oxide (23.5%), no information about
nano particles, Vitamin E, carrot oil, & more.
20. Vanicream Sunscreen for Sensitive
Skin
Titanium dioxide (7.5%), zinc oxide (7.5%) ,
nano particles (<100 nm according to EWG),
Vitamin E.
21. Alba Botanica Very Emollient
Mineral Protection Sunblock
Zinc oxide (12%), non nano, titanium dioxide
(1%), Vitamin E and grapeseed oil.
22. Dr. T’s Supergoop: Sunstick and
SPF 30 Everyday Tube
Titanium dioxide (10%) and Octinoxate
(7.5%) in stick; Homosalate, Octisalate,
avobenzone, octocrylene (tube), Vitamin E I,
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A).
23. True Natural Neutral SPF 50
Sunscreen
Zinc oxide (22.5%), titanium dioxide (6%),
green tea extract, sunflower seed oil, Vitamin
E, jojoba oil.
None of the products mentioned in above table disclose the synergistic composition of the present
invention. Though the major ingredient Shea Butter and the other individual ingredients have SPF
in range of about 4-6, the final composition shows SPF of 15, due to synergistic effect of the
composit5 ion.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to disclose a novel herbal sunscreen composition
comprising Shea butter, almond oil, raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc oxide as active ingredients.
Another object of the present invention is to disclose a synergistic effect of Shea butter, almond
10 oil, raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc oxide when formulated for use as a sunscreen.
11
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a novel herbal sunscreen consisting of a synergistic combination
of Shea butter (12.5 % w/v), almond oil (3 % v/v), raspberry oil (2 % v/v), Jojoba oil (2 % v/v)
and zinc oxide (2.5 % v/v) as active ingredients. The sunscreen of present invention possess
sunscreen activity of SPF-15 i.e. only 1/15th of the radiation will reach the skin thereby decreasin5 g
UV radiation related problems. The ingredients used have no side-effects and are safe to use.
Properties like pH and viscosity were found to be 6.5 and 3600 cP respectively which lies in
preferred range. The Ultraviolet radiations from sun results in various skin diseases when exposed
directly. Unlike chemical sunscreens, the ingredients used in herbal sunscreen of present invention
10 are easily available and do not have any side-effects. Chemical sunscreen consists of ingredients
which block the sunlight and are absorbed by the skin. Hence, safety issue is of major concern.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a novel herbal sunscreen comprising a synergistic combination of
Shea butter, almond oil, raspberry seed oil, Jojoba oil and zinc oxide as active ingredients. The
15 SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of sunscreen of present invention is SPF-15 i.e. it allows only 1/15th
of the radiation to reach the skin. The SPF value of individual herbal ingredients is as below in
Table 1.
Table 1: The SPF value of individual ingredients in the synergistic composition.
Ingredient /Conc. w/v SPF Value
Shea butter (12.5%) 4-6
Almond oil (3%) 4
Raspberry seed oil (2%) 25-50
Jojoba oil (2%) 4
Zinc Oxide (2.5%) 4-6
Synergistic Composition 15
20 Method of preparation of the sunscreen is described below:
a. Weighing of the ingredients: The following ingredients were weighed
12
1. Shea butter (12.5 % w/v)
2. Almond oil (3 % v/v)
3. Raspberry oil (2 % v/v)
4. Jojoba oil (2 % v/v)
5. Zinc oxide (2.5 % 5 w/v)
6. Stearic acid/octadecanoic acid (anionic oil-in-water emulsifier with HLB-15 (Hydrophile-
Lipophile Balance): 3 % w/v
7. Glyceryl mono-stearate (non-ionic emulsifier with HLB 4.7 (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance):
5 % w/v
10 8. Sorbitan stearate 60 (non-ionic emulsifier with HLB 4.7 (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance) : 5
% w/v
9. Sorbitan monooleate 80 (non-ionic emulsifier with HLB 4.3(Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance) :
5 % v/v
10. PEG-20 sorbitan monolaurate (non-ionic emulsifier with HLB 16.7 (Hydrophile-Lipophile
15 Balance) : 5 % v/v
11. Lavender oil (preservative): 1 % v/v
12. Propylene glycol (humectant): 2 % v/v
13. Tocopherol acetate (antioxidant): 1.5 % v/v
14. Mandarin berry (fragrance): 0.2 % v/v
20 15. Erythrosine (color): q.s.
16. Rose water q.s.to 100 ml.
b. Heating: Phase I [oil phase] ingredients (Shea butter, almond oil, raspberry oil, jojoba oil,
lavender oil and tocopherol acetate) were heated to melt in a 100 ml beaker using hot plate.
25
c. Addition of Zinc Oxide and emulsifiers: Zinc oxide was added to heated mixture followed by
continuous heating till complete solubilization of powder in oil phase succeeded by addition of
emulsifier’s combination (glyceryl monostearate, stearic acid, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan
monooleate and PEG-20 sorbitan monolaurate) with required HLB (Hydrophile-Lipophile
30 Balance).
13
d. Heating of phase II: Phase II (aqueous phase) (glycerin, propylene glycol and small amount
of rose water) was heated in separate 100 ml beaker to the same temperature as that of oil phase.
Phase II was slowly poured into phase 1, a little at a time with constant stirring succeeded by
addition of fragrance and color in quantity sufficient amount.
5
e. Stirring to obtain paste: Stirring was continued in a glass mortar until a smooth and uniform
paste was obtained. Rose water was added to make up the required volume.
Technical features of the sunscreen
i. Non-granular consistency with optimum viscosity
10 ii. Uniform spreadibility
iii. Translucent with an acceptable light pink color & aroma of berry.
iv. Good moisturizing effect without leaving much residual whiteness
v. Vanishing after 4 minutes
vi. Adheres to primary packing surface which may be glass and plastic bottle.
15 vii. pH- The pH of lotion as measured by pH meter and pH strip comply with that of skin pH.
viii. Viscosity- Viscosity profile of lotion was measured using a Brookfield viscometer at 6
rpm, at a temperature of 25°C with 150 ml sample and using LV-spindle 64 the value which
indicated good rheology during handling.
ix. Stability- No phase separation was observed after centrifugation at 3500-13500 rpm at
20 intervals of 500 rpm for 10 minutes.
x. SPF (sun protection factor) as determined by in-vitro method using UV Visible
spectrophotometer. SPF was calculated by using the equation derived by Mansaur:
SPFspectrophotometric = CF ΣEE (λ) × I (λ) × A (λ)
320
290
25 Where, correction factor, CF010, EE (λ) = erythemogenic effect of radiation of wavelength λ, I (λ)
= intensity of solar light of wavelength λ, A (λ) = spectrophotometric absorbance values at
wavelength λ.
14
The stability study of sunscreen lotion was carried out at room temperature and under accelerated
condition (40oC & 70 %RH) for 1 month and stress testing at 50 degree C and 75% RH and 60
degree C and 80% RH for 1 month. The rheological properties such as redispersibility & viscosity
showed good stability and no change in SPF after storage at specified conditions. Different
parameters of lotion are shown 5 hown in table 1:
Table 1: Different parameters of novel herbal sunscreen composition
S.No. Parameters Readings
1. pH 6.5
2. Viscosity 3600 cP
3. SPF (Sun Protection
Factor)
15
NOVELTY, INVENTIVE STEP, INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
NOVELTY: The present invention discloses a novel herbal sunscreen or sun-blocker consisting
of herbal ingredients Shea butter, almond oil, raspberry oil, Jojoba oil and zinc oxide as active
10 ingredients.
INVENTIVE STEP: The technical advancement of knowledge in case of present invention lies
in disclosing a herbal composition comprising ingredients which individually have a low SPF in
range of about 4-6 but owing to synergistic effect when specific ingredients are combined in
specific ratios, the SPF of the composition is 15.
15 INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION: The product of the present invention has widespread industrial
application as a natural/herbal and cost-effective sun-blocker.

I CLAIM:
1. A novel herbal sunscreen WHEREIN the same consists of a synergistic combination of
natural products in specific ratios as given below:
i. 12.5 % w/v of Shea butter;
ii. 3 % v/v of almond 5 ond oil;
iii. 2 % v/v of raspberry oil;
iv. 2 % v/v of jojoba oil; and
v. 2.5 % v/v of zinc oxide;
And wherein the synergistic composition has SPF of about 15.
10
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1 WHEREIN the same has a viscosity of about 3600
cP and pH of 6.5.
3. The novel herbal sunscreen as claimed in claim 1 WHEREIN the said sunscreen is
15 prepared by following steps:
- Heating: Phase I [oil phase] ingredients (Shea butter, almond oil, raspberry oil, jojoba
oil, lavender oil and tocopherol acetate) are heated to melt in a 100 ml beaker using hot
20 plate.
- Addition of Zinc Oxide and emulsifiers: Adding Zinc oxide to heated mixture
followed by continuous heating till complete solubilization of powder in oil phase
succeeded by addition of emulsifier’s combination (glyceryl monostearate, stearic acid,
25 sorbitan stearate, sorbitan monooleate and PEG-20 sorbitan monolaurate) with required
HLB (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance).
16
- Heating phase II: heating of Phase II (aqueous phase) (glycerin, propylene glycol and
small amount of rose water) done in separate 100 ml beaker to the same temperature as
that of oil phase. Phase II then slowly poured into phase 1, a little at a time with constant
stirring succeeded by addition of fragrance and color in quantity sufficient amount.
- Stirring: Stirring continued in a glass mortar until a smooth and uniform paste wa5 s
obtained. Rose water then added to make up the required volume.