Considering the belief that natural lipids and edible substances are safer for topical applications and that carotenoids are able to protect cells against photooxidative damage, wea have investigated whether topical creams and lotions, produced with Buriti oil and commercial surfactants, can exert photoprotective effect of against UVA and UVB irradiation. Emulsions and plain Buriti oil were diluted in DMEM medium supplemented with 10% FBS. Cell treatment was divided in two stages, prior and after being exposed to 30 minutes of UVA plus UVB radiation or 60 minutes to UVA radiation. Emulsions prepared with ethoxylated fatty alcohols as surfactants and containing α-tocopherol caused phototoxic damage to the cells, especially when applied prior to UV exposure. Damage reported was due to prooxidant activity and phototoxic effect of the surfactant. Emulsions prepared with Sorbitan Monooleate and PEG-40 castor oil and containing panthenol as active ingredient, were able to reduce the damages caused by radiation when compared to non-treated cells. When the different cells lines used in the study were compared, keratinocytes showed an increase in cell viability higher than fibroblasts. The Buriti oil emulsions can be considered potential vehicles to transport antioxidants precursors and also be used as adjuvant in sun protection.