Discover Sunscreens with Ground Wood That Achieve SPF 180+ Protection

Recent research highlights that sunscreens enhanced with lignin, a natural polymer found in wood, can achieve an impressive sun protection factor (SPF) exceeding 180. This innovative ingredient also promises longer-lasting effects and lower skin penetration compared to conventional sunscreens, potentially offering a safer alternative.

While sunscreen is crucial for skin cancer prevention, there is growing concern about its safety. A recent survey revealed that 14% of young adults mistakenly believe daily sunscreen use poses more risks than direct sun exposure.

This confusion stems from findings by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which confirmed that some common sunscreen ingredients can enter the bloodstream. However, long-term studies have shown no significant health risks associated with regular sunscreen use, prompting the FDA to call for further investigation.

In response, researchers are actively seeking natural alternatives to traditional sunscreen chemicals that are not only safer for human health but also less harmful to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Among the most promising natural ingredients is lignin, known for reinforcing plant cell walls and shielding them from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

One major challenge lies in extracting lignin from wood without altering its color. Conventional methods often use harsh chemicals, turning it from a light hue to dark brown, rendering it unsuitable for sunscreen applications.

Researchers from South China University of Science and Technology have successfully developed a milder extraction technique. Led by Jun Lee, the team extracted pale yellow lignin from poplar trees using crushing and sieving methods, followed by ultrasound treatment. Another group, led by Yong Qian, utilized a similar approach to harvest pale pink lignin from birch trees.

The extracted lignin was then transformed into nanoparticles and blended with standard white creams to formulate sunscreen products.

Tests indicated that the pale yellow lignin sunscreen achieved an SPF of 20, while the pale pink version reached an SPF of 19, providing moderate protection against harmful UV rays and blending seamlessly with various skin tones for a smooth application.

While these lignin-based sunscreens do not match the high protection levels of many commercial products (often SPF 50 or higher), the research team experimented by encapsulating popular sunscreen agents, avobenzone and octinoxate, within lignin nanoparticles. This innovative combination produced an astounding SPF of over 180. However, it’s essential to note that sunscreen labels cannot exceed SPF 50 due to regulatory guidelines.

Encapsulating these ingredients in lignin nanoparticles not only enhances their stability under sunlight but also minimizes skin penetration, thus potentially increasing safety.

Qian has reported that ongoing trials of one lignin-based sunscreen formulation indicate it is safe and effective, contributing to the search for healthier sunscreen options.

In addition to lignin, other naturally sourced ingredients like those derived from seaweed, ferns, squid, and even human hair are being investigated for sunscreen applications.