BB creams and their photoprotective effect

Pharm Dev Technol. 2016;21(1):39-42. doi: 10.3109/10837450.2014.965322. Epub 2014 Sep 30.

Abstract

BB creams appeared on the market quite recently. These creams, which give a perfect complexion by covering up the skin's blemishes, have a photoprotective effect in the majority of cases. An SPF value ranging from 10 to 45 concerning the products we tested is displayed on the packaging. The 21 commercially-available BB creams were tested to assess their efficacy (determination of the SPF) and their photostability (determination of their efficacy after UV irradiation). It was shown that 70% of the products tested have an SPF determined in vitro by us which matches the SPF displayed on the product. For the remaining 30%, it can be seen that products have SPF values of between 2 and 10 times lower than those indicated on the products. It can also be noted that there is a large disparity in terms of photostability since, under the same experimental conditions, however, some products only lose 5% of their photoprotective efficacy, whereas others lose 60%.

Keywords: BB cream; SPF; photostability; skin.

MeSH terms

  • Cosmetics / chemistry
  • Cosmetics / radiation effects
  • Skin Cream / chemistry*
  • Skin Cream / radiation effects*
  • Sunscreening Agents / chemistry*
  • Sunscreening Agents / radiation effects*
  • Ultraviolet Rays* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Sunscreening Agents