Anti-UV Microgel Based on Interfacial Polymerization to Decrease Skin Irritation of High Permeability UV Absorber Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

• Published in: Gels Vol. 10; no. 3; p. 177
• Main Authors: Wang, Wei, He, Qi-Tong, Chen, Yin-Feng, Wang, Bai-Hui, Xu, Wen-Ying, Liu, Qing-Lei, Liu, Hui-Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.03.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Analysis; Biocompatibility; Contact angle; Dermal absorption; EHMC; Ethylene glycol; Glycol dimethacrylates; Hydrogels; Irritation; Lignin; microgel; Microgels; Nanoparticles; Particle size; Penetration; Penetration resistance; Permeability; Polymerization; Polymers; Protective coatings; Radiation; Skin; skin irritation; Skin resistance; Sun screens; Sunscreen; Sunscreens (Cosmetics); Thermogravimetric analysis; Toiletries industry; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultraviolet radiation; China; polymerization; EHMC; microgel; sunscreen; skin irritation
• ISSN: 2310-2861; 2310-2861
• DOI: 10.3390/gels10030177

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is frequently employed as a photoprotective agent in sunscreen formulations. EHMC has been found to potentially contribute to health complications as a result of its propensity to produce irritation and permeate the skin. A microgel carrier, consisting of poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (pEDGMA), was synthesized using interfacial polymerization with the aim of reducing the irritation and penetration of EHMC. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the EHMC content accounted for 75.72% of the total composition. Additionally, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images depicted the microgel as exhibiting a spherical morphology. In this study, the loading of EHMC was demonstrated through FTIR and contact angle tests. The UV resistance, penetration, and skin irritation of the EHMC-pEDGMA microgel were additionally assessed. The investigation revealed that the novel sunscreen compound, characterized by limited dermal absorption, had no irritant effects and offered sufficient protection against ultraviolet radiation.