Polymeric nanoparticles composed of fatty acids and polyvinylalcohol for topical application of sunscreens

Benzophenone-3 (BZP) or oxybenzone is widely used in many cosmetic formulations, such as sunscreen lotions or emulsions, shampoos and hair sprays. The nature of the vehicle used can enhance or block the percutaneous absorption of UV filter. In this work, we hydrophobically modified polyvinylalcohol 10 000 (PVA) with fatty acids (FAs) to obtain PVA-FA derivatives for the preparation of lipophilic polymeric nanoparticles able to prevent BZP movement towards the skin. Synthesized PVA-FA derivatives were confirmed by H1 NMR. Nanoparticles loaded with BZP were prepared using a solvent extraction method. The particle size was monitored by means of dynamic light scattering measurements. In-vitro skin permeation studies were performed.