Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new sunscreen using lignin, a natural polymer, and titanium dioxide (TiO2). This innovative blend offers exceptional UV protection and a more appealing appearance, paving the way for a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional sunscreen ingredients.
Using The Mighty Lignin
Lignin, a pulp-processing byproduct, has long been recognized for its ability to absorb ultraviolet light (a property that makes it an antioxidant). However, its dark colour and relatively low sun protection factor (SPF) have prevented it being widely deployed in commercial sunscreens.
In the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, a new research indicates that to combat these obstacles; scientists led by Yarong Li and Zhiguang Tang unveiled a novel study. They also managed to change lignin s chemical structure and morphological form in a manner that made it useful as an ingredient of sunscreen formulations.
They modified alkali lignin (AL) using methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT) so that the obtained polymer was AL-g-MBBT. The polymer was converted into sub-micron balls, and these essentialities were used in conjunction with titanium dioxide (TiO2) to produce a novel sunscreen formulationVisualStyle (c).
The Sunniest Sunshade Elsewhere
The study was really great. Unmodified AL had only 4.74 SPF, while those prepared with even dick less needed modification (10%) of the modified AL g MBBT3 gave high values of 42.93, exhibiting much higher skin protection factor(ans). In addition, the color of the lignin-based sunscreen was significantly lighter (ΔE = 45.6) than previously reported unmodified AL (49.5 ΔE), justifying potential cosmetic end use applications [12].
But the research team didn’t quite: In addition, they increased the efficiency of the sunscreen by producing TiO2-loaded sub-micron spheres. Three of these, AL-g-MBBT3/TiO2@C sunscreens provided SPFs as high as 66.20 which surpassed the unsubstituted AL material itself and even unmodified sub-micron spheres without TiO2 loading. The color of these sunscreens was improved by a ΔE value of 36.3 as well.
This breakthrough by the team employs an alternative strategy that unleashed lignin potential as a green, high-quality performance and visually appealing ingredient in sunscreens. This discovery could lead to a new class of environmentally safe and highly effective sunscreens.
Conclusion
This product is a massive breakthrough in the cosmetics sector as it could pave way to a new generation of lignin-based sunscreens. The unique properties of lignin can be exploited to improve the performances and aesthetics of sunscreens when combined with TiO₂, leading to a novel sunscreen template having an unprecedented balance between UV protection factor (SPF), skin fit, and environmental footprint. This innovation may open up a new genre of sun block products that are not only more effective but also natural, addressing the rising ambience for organic and once again high functioning sun protection solutions.
