Cooling pollen sunscreen can block UV rays without harming corals

Materials scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have invented the world's first pollen-based sunscreen derived from Camellia flowers.

In experiments, the pollen-based sunscreen absorbed and blocked harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays as effectively as commercially available sunscreens, which commonly use minerals like titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO).

In laboratory tests on corals, commercial sunscreen induced coral bleaching in just two days, leading to coral death by day six. Each year, an estimated 6,000 to 14,000 tons of commercial sunscreen make their way into the ocean, as people wash it off in the sea or it flows in from wastewater.

In contrast, the pollen-based sunscreen did not affect the corals, which remained healthy even up to 60 days. In other tests, the pollen-based sunscreen also demonstrated its ability to reduce surface skin temperature, thereby helping to keep the skin cool in the presence of simulated sunlight.

Using a proprietary water-based process that does not involve harsh chemicals or high heat, Prof Cho's team processed both Camellia and Sunflower pollen by removing the inner contents of the pollen shell and converting it into a microgel formulation, similar to those used in skincare products. Camellia pollen performing better in their comparative tests.

Image source: NTU Singapore.