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China Surfactant Detergent & Cosmetics ›› 2025, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (12): 1516-1525.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.12.003

• Basic research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Pickering emulsion stabilized by avobenzone-loaded mesoporous particles for enhanced sunscreen performance

Qifa Huang1,Wen Xie1,Chenlong Guo1,Juanbo Chen1,Sa Zeng2,Tao Meng1,*()   

  1. 1 School of Life Sciences & Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
    2 Guangzhou Ridgepole Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510800, China
  • Received:2024-12-10 Revised:2025-12-16 Online:2025-12-22 Published:2026-01-23
  • Contact: *E-mail: taomeng@swjtu.edu.cn.

Abstract:

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters play a crucial role in reducing sunburn, photoaging, and the risk of skin cancer induced by UV radiation. However, the challenges posed by photodegradation, potential phototoxicity, and poor dispersion characteristics of organic UV filters significantly hinder their practical applications. This study aims to encapsulate avobenzone, a widely used UV filter, in mesoporous silica (MPS) to form AB@MPS particles via an in-situ sol-gel process, and to research their sunscreen performance as stabilizers in Pickering emulsion. The UV absorption capability of AB@MPS particles is stronger than free avobenzone. The in vitro skin penetration study reveals a greatly reduced permeability (73.9%) for avobenzone from AB@MPS compared to its free form. Furthermore, the photostability of AB@MPS particles increases 14.3 times compared to that of free avobenzone. In UV protection tests, the Pickering emulsion’s anti-UVA efficacy is 2.28 times greater than that of 20% PG solution, 4.41 times greater than Carbomer hydrogel, and 3.59 times greater than the cream formulation. The SPF value of the Pickering emulsion is 2.41 times greater than the 20% PG solution, 2 times greater than the Carbomer hydrogel, and 6.77 times greater than the cream formulation. This study presents a promising strategy for the application of Pickering emulsions in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, providing a safe and efficient formulation for sunscreens.

Key words: Pickering emulsion, mesoporous silica, sunscreen, photoprotection, wettability

CLC Number: 

  • TQ658