Flavonoids and polyphenols, molecular families with sunscreen potential: determining effectiveness with an in vitro method.

The numerous uses and properties of flavonoids are well known, in particular their antioxidant, cancer-control and antiinflammatory effects. These properties can be used to enrich the field of topically-applied sun protection. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of various flavonoids and polyphenols. We have used an in vitro method based on the transmittance measurement after spreading an oil in water emulsion containing either flavonoids or polyphenols on polymethylmetacrylate plates. Chlorogenic acid and apigenin were the best UV-filter and UVA-filter, respectively. The flavonoids and polyphenols studied are good candidates for us e in photoprotective products.