Sunscreen use has increased in recent years, as sunscreen products minimize the damaging effects of solar radiation. Active ingredients called ultraviolet (UV) filters or UV agents, either organic or inorganic, responsible for defending skin tissue against harmful UV rays, are incorporated in sunscreen formulations. UV agents have a serious impact on many members of bio communities, and they are transferred to the environment either directly or indirectly. Many organic UV filters are found to be accumulated in marine environments because of high values of the octanol/water partition coefficient. However, due to the fact that UV agents are not stable in water, unwanted by-products may be formed. Experimental studies or field observations have shown that organic UV filters tend to bioaccumulate in various aquatic animals, such as corals, algae, arthropods, mollusks, echinoderms, marine vertebrates. This review was conducted in order to understand the effects of UV agents on both the environment and marine biota. In vivo and in vitro studies of UV filters show a wide range of adverse effects on the environment and exposed organisms. Coral bleaching receives considerable attention, but the scientific data identify potential toxicities of endocrine, neurologic, neoplastic and developmental pathways. However, more controlled environmental studies and long-term human use data are limited. Several jurisdictions have prohibited specific UV filters, but this does not adequately address the dichotomy of the benefits of photoprotection vs lack of eco-friendly, safe, and approved alternatives.

Variations in stratospheric ozone and changes in the aquatic environment by climate change and human activity are modifying the exposure of aquatic ecosystems to UV radiation. These shifts in exposure have consequences for the distributions of species, biogeochemical cycles, and services provided by aquatic ecosystems. This Quadrennial Assessment presents the latest knowledge on the multi-faceted interactions between the effects of UV irradiation and climate change, and other anthropogenic activities, and how these conditions are changing aquatic ecosystems. Climate change results in variations in the depth of mixing, the thickness of ice cover, the duration of ice-free conditions and inputs of dissolved organic matter, all of which can either increase or decrease exposure to UV radiation. Anthropogenic activities release oil, UV filters in sunscreens, and microplastics into the aquatic environment that are then modified by UV radiation, frequently amplifying adverse effects on aquatic organisms and their environments. The impacts of these changes in combination with factors such as warming and ocean acidification are considered for aquatic micro-organisms, macroalgae, plants, and animals (floating, swimming, and attached). Minimising the disruptive consequences of these effects on critical services provided by the world's rivers, lakes and oceans (freshwater supply, recreation, transport, and food security) will not only require continued adherence to the Montreal Protocol but also a wider inclusion of solar UV radiation and its effects in studies and/or models of aquatic ecosystems under conditions of the future global climate.

Methylene blue (MB) is a century-old medicine, a laboratory dye, and recently shown as a premier antioxidant that combats ROS-induced cellular aging in human skins. Given MB’s molecular structure and light absorption properties, we hypothesize that MB has the potential to be considered as a sunscreen active for UV radiation protection. In this study, we tested the effects of MB on UVB ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks in primary human keratinocytes. We found that MB treatment reduced DNA damages caused by UVB irradiation and subsequent cell death. Next, we compared MB with Oxybenzone, which is the most commonly used chemical active ingredient in sunscreens but recently proven to be hazardous to aquatic ecosystems, in particular to coral reefs. At the same concentrations, MB showed more effective UVB absorption ability than Oxybenzone and significantly outperformed Oxybenzone in the prevention of UVB-induced DNA damage and the clearance of UVA-induced cellular ROS. Furthermore, unlike Oxybenzone, MB-containing seawater did not affect the growth of the coral species Xenia umbellata. Altogether, our study suggests that MB has the potential to be a coral reef-friendly sunscreen active ingredient that can provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.

Sunscreen protects skin from harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays, preventing skin diseases like cancer and premature aging. This review explores the role of nanotechnology in enhancing sunscreen formulations by incorporating green and sustainable ingredients. Nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide effectively reflect UV rays, improving protection while minimizing white residue, thereby enhancing aesthetics, stability, and efficacy. Recent advancements in formulation include lipid-based and polymer-based nanosystems that improve the delivery of active ingredients, offering multifunctional benefits. Additionally, modern sunscreens integrate anti-aging and antioxidant properties, reflecting the trend toward hybrid formulations with multiple skin benefits. The review also examines recent patents, highlighting innovations in nanotechnology-driven sunscreen formulations and delivery systems. Safety and regulatory concerns are critically analyzed, focusing on public perception of nanoparticles and their environmental impact. Issues such as manufacturing challenges and consumer hesitancy toward nano-scaled formulations due to safety considerations are also discussed. While nanotechnology presents significant potential in advancing sun protection, the review underscores the importance of balancing innovation with safety and sustainability. Ultimately, it serves as a guide for future research directions in nano-based sunscreens, advocating for responsible and informed development in the field.

Local pollution with cosmetic products, particularly from tourism-related activities, can threaten coral reefs. The potential negative effects of sunscreens on corals caused several countries to ban certain sunscreens or ingredients. Many companies advertise their sunscreens as "reef-safe" or "coral-friendly", but scientific analysis is necessary to verify these claims. This study compared three sunscreens, V.Sun™ (Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50), Surface™ (SPF 50), and ARUUN™ (SPF 30), through tank experiments conducted in the Maldives. The short-term (96 h) response of the hard corals Acropora digitifera, Pocillopora verrucosa, Porites lobata, and the soft coral Sarcophyton sp. to sunscreen exposure (230 mg L-1) was assessed. Tissue loss only occurred for A. digitifera and P. verrucosa with Surface™ (4-16 %) and ARUUN™ (96 %, both species) sunscreens. ARUUN™ sunscreen also caused severe pigmentation loss for all species, while V.Sun™, Surface™, and control-treated corals, showed only mild or no pigmentation loss. Overall, A. digitifera and P. verrucosa were more sensitive to sunscreen exposure than P. lobata and Sarcophyton sp. Despite all sunscreens labelled "reef-safe" or "coral-friendly", ARUUN™ sunscreen, containing the mineral UV filter zinc oxide (ZnO), showed severely negative effects. Surface™, but particularly V.Sun™, both with chemical UV filters, caused mild or no effects on the investigated corals. This study highlights major differences between sunscreens indicated "reef-safe" or "coral-friendly", and advocates for standardised evaluation of protection labels for cosmetic products.

Skincare Chemicals and Marine Life --> Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs Common chemicals used in thousands of products to protect against harmful effects of ultraviolet light threaten corals and other marine life . Infographic: Sunscreen Chemicals and Marine Life. Transcript | Download Healthy coral reefs are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. They provide billions of dollars in economic and environmental services, such as food, coastal protection, and tourism. However, coral ecosystems around the world face serious threats from a number of sources, including climate change, unsustainable fishing, land-based pollution, coastal development, disease, and invasive species. Scientists have also discovered that some of the chemicals found in sunscreen and other personal health products threaten the health of coral reefs. How these, and other compounds, affect reef ecosystems remains an active area of research. In August 2022, the National Academy of Sciences released a study which reviews the state of the science on the use of sunscreen ingredients and their environmental impacts. Overall the study found that specific (chemical) UV filters found in chemical sunscreen can harm aquatic life, including corals, and therefore, a more comprehensive ecological risk assessment of all UV filters in chemical sunscreen is needed. Mineral sunscreen, which does not use (chemical) UV filters, is considered a better option because there are less effects to aquatic organisms. Wearing UV protective clothing, like sun shirts and pants, is also a great option. Infographic Transcript: Sunscreen Chemicals and Marine Life How sunscreen chemicals enter our environment: The sunscreen you apply may not stay on your skin. When we swim or shower, sunscreen may wash off and enter our waterways. How sunscreen chemicals can affect marine life: Green Algae: Can impair growth and photosynthesis. Coral: Accumulates in tissues. Can induce bleaching, damage DNA, deform young, and even kill. M

activities have substantial impact on coral reefs, contributing to their worldwide decline. Damaging activities encompass coral mining, pollution (both organic Human activities have substantial impact on coral reefs, contributing to their worldwide decline. Damaging activities encompass coral mining, pollution (both organic and non-organic), overfishing, blast fishing, as well as the excavation of canals and access points to islands and bays. Additional threats comprise disease, destructive fishing practices, and the warming of oceans. Furthermore, the o Sunscreen can enter the ocean indirectly through wastewater systems when it is washed off and from swimmers and divers or directly if the sunscreen comes off people when in the ocean. Some 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in the ocean each year, with 4000 to 6000 tons entering reef areas annually. There is an estimate that 90% of snorkeling and diving tourism is concentrated on 10% of the world's coral reefs, meaning that popular reefs are especially vulnerable to sunscreen exposure. Certain formulations of sunscreen are a serious danger to coral health. The common sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone causes coral bleaching and has an impact on other marine fauna. In addition to oxybenzone, there are other sunscreen ingredients, known as chemical UV filters, that can also be harmful to corals and coral reefs and other marine life. They are: Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium dioxide, nano-Zinc oxide, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene. In Akumal, Mexico, visitors are warned not to use sunscreen and are kept out of some areas to prevent damage to the coral. In several other tourist destinations, authorities recommend the use of sunscreens prepared with the naturally occurring chemicals titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or suggest the use of clothing rather than chemicals to screen the skin from the sun. The city of Miami Beach, Florida rejected calls for a ban on sunscreen in 2019 due to lack of evidence. In 2020, Palau enacted a ban on sunscreen and skincare products containing 10 chemicals including oxybenzone. The US state of Hawaii enacted a similar ban which came into effect in 2021. Care should be taken to protect both the marine environment and your skin, as sun exposure causes 90% of premature aging and could cause skin cancer, and it is possible to do both.

Coral reef is a kind of reef, which is distributed in the warm shallow sea. It is made up of coral skeleton. Different coral individuals are bound together by connecting substances and live in groups for generations. Coral reefs provide spaces of different sizes, where many fish, shrimps, shellfish, algae and other kinds of marine life inhabit, grow and multiply. Cryophyte is symbiotic in polyps. Yellow algae is an algae plant, which absorbs sunlight and provides nutrients for corals through photosynthesis. Global warming will cause the sea level to rise, which will seriously threaten the survival of corals. In addition to the vicious impact of global warming on the marine ecological environment, oxybenzone in sunscreen and other skin care products has been detected in marine and freshwater entertainment areas, and oxybenzone will accumulate in aquatic animals and degrade into toxic substances. This paper analyzes the main causes of coral reef destruction, and puts forward corresponding protection measures.

Sunscreens play an essential role in preventing skin cancer and photoaging. Nevertheless, concerns about their systemic absorption and environmental impacts persist. In this extensive literature review, we discuss the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety concerns related to sunscreen use, aiming to clarify current understandings and dispel prevalent myths. Despite ongoing debates regarding certain ingredients, the scientific consensus supports the use of sunscreens as a critical defense against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Continued research is necessary to address safety concerns and to refine sunscreen formulations for optimal protection and minimal adverse effects. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(2):142-146. doi:10.36849/JDD.8102.