The sun is the primary source of energy for every living organism. Sunrays
are radiations that make us feel the warmth of the sun. Over the last few decades, these
rays have slowly and steadily damaged our skin cells. To protect ourselves from these
sun rays, which include ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, and visible rays, we use filters.
In ancient times, Europeans used oil and sand for skin protection. As the years passed,
protection from the sun became very essential due to ozone layer depletion. Due to
depletion, harmful rays that get barred by the ozone layer can now irresistibly reach us.
Among all protective measures, topical sunscreens are the most commonly used
products. Sunscreens have their history, and new forms can be seen in the market as
developed or developing products. SPF plays a vital role in protecting against sun rays.
SPF defines the effectiveness of sunscreen against UV rays. This chapter explores the
improvements made in sun protection products and includes upcoming advancements.
It also covers sunscreen agent classification, their uses, and formulations. Ultraviolet
radiations emitted from the sun include UVA and UVB, among which UVB is the most
damaging. The evaluation techniques include water resistance, UVA protection, and
SPF. We will also discuss phytoconstituents and formulations.
Keywords: Advanced improvements, Phytoconstituents, Sunscreen, Sun protection factor, Ultraviolet radiations.
