Fotoprotetores: aspectos gerais, desafios, e perspectivas na produção segura e sustentável

Abstract

The incidence of solar radiation on Earth has increased considerably in recent years due to the intense depletion of the ozone layer responsible for filtering UV rays. Moreover, being a tropical country near the Equator, Brazil registers one of the highest levels of radiation in the world. The UV radiation that reaches the Earth is classified into UVA, UVB and UVC radiation, capable of inducing oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and DNA structural mutations, thereby stimulating the onset of skin cancer. Given the population's awareness of photodamage caused by intense exposure to UV rays, there has been a significant increase in the use and sale of sunscreens worldwide. This increase could hurt human health and ecosystems, especially in the marine environment, as coral reefs have been bleaching. Therefore, UV filters are a global concern. This study is a literature review on general aspects of sunscreens, including a discussion about the impact of sunscreens on human health and the environment. Therefore, to reduce the amount of conventional UV filters, and minimize the negative consequences mainly on the aquatic ecosystem, studies have found natural products to be a viable alternative. Some classes of secondary metabolites produced by plant species have shown efficiency in protecting against UV radiation. The use of natural products aims to reduce the amount of conventional UV filters, minimizing negative consequences, especially in the marine environment.