Physical Characteristic and SPF Value of Oxybenzone and Octyldimethyl PABA: Effect of Arbutin and Olive Oil in Carbomer 940 Gel Base

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of arbutin (3% w/w) and olive oil addition (3, 5, and 7% w/w) on characteristic and SPF values of sunscreen product containing oxybenzone and octyldimethyl PABA (3:7% w/w) in a carbomer 940 gel base. The characteristic test was conducted by observing the physical appearance, pH and spreading ability on the second day after the product was made; while the SPF values were measured through a spectrophotometric method. Based on the results of the characteristic test, it was evident that the addition of arbutin and olive oil affected the physical appearances i.e the organoleptic and consistency of sunscreen product as well as its spreading ability, but had no effect on its pH. However, the addition of arbutin and olive oil significantly improved the effectiveness of sunscreen product and increase in the concentration of olive oil resulted in a rise in the SPF values. Nonetheless, further study on the in vivo effectiveness using human subject is required to comprehend the SPF application.