Maui banned chemical sunscreens to protect marine life, considering the harm to coral reefs and other marine organisms. Zinc oxide sunscreens are a 'reef-safe' alternative, but they may leave a white cast on the skin.
Scientists at Northeastern University drew inspiration from cephalopods like octopuses and squid to develop a new sunscreen ingredient that can provide effective protection without leaving a visible white cast.
The key molecule discovered in the cephalopods' skin not only helped them change color for camouflage but also proved to be photostable. It was resistant to degradation from sunlight, offering superior performance.
Leila Deravi, a Northeastern University professor, highlighted the exceptional stability of the molecule in various light conditions, including UV and visible light, emphasizing its resilience compared to traditional sunscreen chemicals.
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]