Safety assessment of 5 sunscreen products: Phase I controlled clinical trial

Sunscreens are an important part of photoprotection strategy. They are exposed to strict safety evaluation using human subjects such as in vivo studies of skin irritation. Biophysical parameters measurements could be used as fast and noninvasive methods to measure any destructive effect of cosmetic formulations on skin application sites. Five sunscreens were selected from Iran''s market to determine changes in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)، stratum corneum hydration، pH، melanin and hemoglobin contents by biometric assessments with MPA 580Cutometer®. There was no significant change in skin pH، melanin and hemoglobin contents before and after sunscreen application. Significant change in TEWL and stratum corneum hydration after use of some sunscreens might be contributed by the occlusive and humectant ingredients which used in base cream. Application of the studied sunscreens on human volunteers has not shown any adverse effects and these formulations could be recommended to use.