Formulation of a Topical Sun Protection Cream for People with Albinism

M L Moloisane; W Liebenberg; A P Lotter; M de Villiers

M L Moloisane Medicines Control Council, Private Bag X828, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
W Liebenberg Research Institute for Industrial Pharmacy, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
A P Lotter Research Institute for Industrial Pharmacy, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, Potchefstroom 2520, South AJi.ica.
M de Villiers Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA

Keywords: Sun protection cream, Sun protection factor, 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 UVA/UVB protection ratios. The physical stability and change in
Sun Protection Factor for products stored for 8 weeks at 25 OC (60 Oh RH) and 45
OC (75 % RIH) were also determined. Hypoallergenic and physically stable
product(s) were formulated with SPF values between 20 to 30 and UVA/UVB 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.