Formulation of a topical sun protection cream for people with albinism

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to design and develop a sun protection product for people with albinism that is affordable, applicable to their specific skin condition, and provide them with the maximum sun protection possible. To achieve the required Sun Protection Factor value of > 20, simple creams were combined with very fine inorganic oxides (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and organic sunscreen filters (2-ethylhexyl cinnamate and octyl methoxycinnamate). These combinations also ensured high UV_A/UV_B protection ratios. The physical stability and change in Sun Protection Factor were for products stored for 8 weeks at 25°C (60% RH) and 45°C (75% RH) were also determined. Hypoallergenic and physically stable product(s) were formulated with SPF values between 20 to 30 and UV_A/UV_B ratios above 0.8 by combining simple cream formulations with fine particle inorganic oxides and organic UV protection agents. This approach offered an opportunity to formulate broad-spectrum sunscreen products that met the needs of albinos.

Keywords: sun protection cream, sun protection factor, albinism

The East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7(3) 2006: 60-64