Summary of Rosemary’s Natural Power Boosts SPF and Fights Aging:
A recent study published in the journal Cosmetics found that by adding rosmarinic acid, a natural antioxidant, to sunscreen alongside conventional UV filters, the photoprotective efficacy of the sunscreen increased by 41%. Incorporating rosmarinic acid at just 0.1% reduced the amount of sunscreen needed for protection and the volume of synthetic chemicals released into the environment. Moreover, the inclusion of rosmarinic acid added antioxidant activity, making the product suitable for anti-aging cosmetics. Rosmarinic acid, a natural polyphenol antioxidant found in rosemary, has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibiotic, and anticancer properties.
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How Adding Rosmarinic Acid to Sunscreen Can Increase Its Efficacy
Sunscreen has always been a top choice for skin protection during sunny outdoor activities. But with the advancement of research, skincare products have evolved to include additional benefits. A recent study published in Cosmetics found that incorporating rosmarinic acid, a natural antioxidant, into sunscreen alongside conventional UV filters, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and avobenzone can have a significant impact on its photoprotective efficacy.
A Small Addition with Significant Results
The study showed that by including rosmarinic acid at just 0.1%, the sunscreen’s performance improved significantly without increasing the levels of active principles, reducing the amount of sunscreen needed for protection and the volume of synthetic chemicals released into the environment. The in vitro and clinical trials demonstrated a 41% increase in sun protection factor (SPF).
Multifunctional Compound
In addition to its photoprotective activity, rosmarinic acid has other benefits, such as being an antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibiotic, and anticancer agent. It is a natural polyphenol antioxidant in rosemary, sage, peppermint, and many other herbal plants.
The study’s authors believe that integrating natural molecules with antioxidant activities into sunscreens could decrease the proportion of conventional UV filters in the final product, with the advantage of providing other functional properties. The product’s performance improved without increasing active principle levels, reducing the amount of sunscreen needed to protect the same skin area and the volume of synthetic chemicals discharged into the environment.
Adding Antioxidant Activity to Photoprotection
Not only did the study show that rosmarinic acid increased photoprotection and added antioxidant activity to the sunscreen product, making it a suitable choice for anti-aging cosmetics.
“Our research on photoprotective systems aims to evaluate potential sunscreen enhancement strategies. We’re interested above all in discovering ways to increase sunburn protection while also improving the stability of the product so that it remains safe and effective for longer,” said pharmaceutical scientist and biochemist André Rolim Baby, the last author of the article and a professor at the University of São Paulo’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF-USP) in Brazil.
Future Efforts
The investigation was part of a project supported by FAPESP to map the chemopreventive properties of various UV filters. Further research could explore the potential benefits of rosmarinic acid for skin surface hydration, reinforcing the need for more research on the substance in cosmetology.
Conclusion
By adding rosmarinic acid to sunscreen, the final product can have multiple beneficial effects, including both photoprotection and antioxidant properties. Integrating natural molecules can decrease the proportion of conventional UV filters in the final product and reduce the volume of synthetic chemicals released into the environment, all while increasing the sunscreen’s performance. Skin hydration, anti-inflammatory effects, and anticancer potential are only a few of the areas that could be explored in future research.
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