UV-Vis Spectroscopic and Chemometric Analyses for SPF Prediction: Evaluating the Sun Protection Potential of Acacia Leaves Extracts from Different Species, Locations, and Solvent Extractions

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of plant-based ingredients as natural sunscreen agents. This study aimed to investigate the Sun Protection potential of Acacia extracts using UV-Vis spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis. Extracts from two Acacia species (Mangium and Auri), sourced from two different locations (BATOLA and BJB), were prepared using ethanol (96%), ethyl acetate, and n-hexane as extraction solvents. The sun protection potential of the extracts was evaluated by determining the sun protection factor (SPF) using UV-Vis spectrophotometric method, followed by chemomimetric analysis. The results showed that the polarity of the solvent for extraction, the species of plants, and the geographical origin significantly influenced SPF values and the extraction of UV-absorbing bioactive compounds. Ethyl acetate extracts showed the highest SPF values (25.43-33.44), particularly in Mangium BJB (31.84) and Auri BJB (30.57), suggesting a greater photoprotective potential. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully differentiated extracts, while Partial Least Square (PLS) regression (R² > 0.99) accurately predicted SPF values, validating the reliability of chemometric models for SPF estimation. This study showed that UV-Vis spectroscopy, combined with chemometric modelling, provided a rapid, accurate and non-invasive method to evaluate plant-based sunscreen ingredients, thereby supporting the development of natural and sustainable photoprotective products. Moreover, future studies should focus on compound identification (LC-MS), in vivo SPF validation, and development of sunscreen formulations to improve eco-friendly UV protection strategies