IPB Researchers Studied Sunscreen Cream from Seaweed
Seaweed has several economic applications in various types of industries, one of which is for the cosmetics industry. One of the most widely used cosmetics for women is sunscreen cream. The effectiveness of sunscreen cream is usually expressed by the value of SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
Four researchers consisting of Rini Yanuarti and Nurjanah from the Department of Aquatic Product Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Bogor Agricultural University (FPIK IPB); Effionora Anwar from the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia; and Ginanjar Pratama from the Department of Fishery Products Technology, Faculty Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Raja Ali Haji Maritime University conducted a study to determine the active compound content and SPF value on seaweed extract Turbinaria conoides and Eucheuma cottonii which can be used as active ingredients on sunscreen cream preparations.
T. conoides seaweed used in this research was taken directly from Pasauran Water of Umbul Tanjung Village, Cinangka District of Serang-Banten Regency. Red seaweed E. cottonii is the result of cultivation in Lontar Water, Tirtayasa District, Serang-Banten Regency.
The results showed that T. conoides contain class of phenol hydroquinone, flavonoid, triterpenoid, steroid, and saponin. While E. cottonii only contain alkaloid compounds. The highest SPF value on T. conoides seaweed was found in methanol extract (SPF 16.7), while for E. cottonii seaweed was found in ethyl acetate extract (SPF 8.8). It means that the extracts of T. conoides and E. cottonii seaweeds have good potential to be used as an active ingredient in sunscreen cream preparations.
"The results of this study show that the extracts of T. conoides and E. cottonii have good potential if used as active ingredients in sunscreen cream because it has a high SPF value. In addition, the seaweed has bioactive compounds such as hydroquinone phenol, flavonoids, and triterpenoids that are potential for use in sunscreen cream preparations, "said Nurjanah. (TK)
