Exploring the Potential of Extracts from and : Formulating Two Skincare Gels with Antioxidant, Sun Protective Factor, and Anti- Activities.

is a plant genus, native to tropical regions, used in medicinal practices for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity, sun protective factor (SPF), and antifungal of extracts obtained from two species of and to develop extract-based gels with antioxidants, photoprotective, and anti- effects. Ethanolic extracts from and collected in Chocó, Colombia, were used for antioxidant activity and SPF determination using the DPPH assay and the Mansur equation, respectively. Extracts were characterized using HPLC-MS and used to prepare the gels. The viscosity of the extract-based gels was evaluated using an MCR92 rheometer. In addition, the anti- activity of extracts against five yeasts and anti- of gels were evaluated following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M27, 4th Edition. High DPPH radical scavenging activity (42.4% and 44.7%) and a high SPF value (32.5 and 35.4) were obtained for the extracts of and , respectively. Similarly, extract-based gels showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity of 54.5% and 53.0% and maximum SPF values of 60 and 57. Extract from showed an important antifungal activity against (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 µg/mL). In contrast, extract was active against , (MIC of 2 µg/mL) and (MIC of 4 µg/mL). gel (0.15%) exhibited an important growth inhibition (98%), while with gel (0.3%) growth inhibition was slightly lower (76%). Polyphenolic and triterpenoid compounds were tentatively identified for and , respectively. Both extracts can be considered promising sources for developing photoprotective gels to treat skin infections caused by .