Soybean Sunscreen – For All Skin Problem

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Thursday, March 25, 2010, 13:38

Sunscreen, a widely used product, have now been reported as not a very safe cosmetic for human skin and also for aquatic life. Scientists have an answer to this.

Say goodbye to that petroleum based sunscreen lotion and grab a bottle of a more natural sun-protecting product, which is made of soybean oil.

Scientists have invented a new method for converting soybean oil into a highly effective bio-based sunscreen active ingredient, called feruloyl soy glycerides (FSG).

The chemical based sunscreens, contain substances known as oxybenzone that is a hormone disruptor that could contribute to the disruption of aquatic species reproduction.

FSG, contain nature-inspired skin-care materials that avoid such health concerns and at the same time have fewer adverse environmental impacts.

FSG is made of ferulic acid, found naturally in hundreds of plants, into soybean oil. The use of ferulic acid along with vegetable oil produces a water-resistant material capable of absorbing both UV- A and UVB light. FSG apart from being a sunscreen also works wonders on wrinkles and also as an anti-aging agent.

"The skin ages not just from exposure to the sun but also from air pollutants and other environmental effects. We believe that this molecule (ferulic acid) could prevent some of the damage caused by the free-radical processes involved in those environmental exposures. That's particularly important for preserving the integrity and health of skin tissue. The approach builds on knowledge that antioxidants consumed in the diet or applied topically can prevent some of that damage," said Laszlo.