Skincare for coral care: FDA approved methylene blue anti-aging sun cream breaking into markets

02 Mar 2022 --- Mblue Labs is introducing an anti-aging and coral safe methylene blue-based (MB) sunscreen Bluevado SunFix. The product creation is based on a research collaboration with the University of Maryland. 

“It [MB] shows a broad spectrum absorption of both UVA and UVB rays, promotes DNA damage repair, combats reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UVA, and most importantly, poses no harm to coral reefs,” reports the study’s senior author Dr. Kan Cao, Founder of Mblue Labs, Bluelene Skincare and Professor at the University of Maryland.MB has been used for over a century as a medicine and a lab dye. 

“This novel multifunctional sunscreen is deeply rooted in our concern for coral reefs – the rainforest of the ocean. We look forward to working with industry and the FDA to get MB included in the sunscreen monograph,” says Jasmin EL Kordi, CEO at Mblue Labs. 

“MB also shows promising effects in stimulating the production of healthy skin fibers (for example, collagen and elastin), improving skin hydration, and promoting wound healing,” the study finds.

“MB has the desired abilities of both UVB blocking and DNA damage mitigation. It not only absorbs UVB but also reduces the DNA damages induced by UVB, thereby promoting cell survival post UVB irradiation.” 

The company and the university have not yet patented the UV protective and anti-aging feature of MB.

Shedding light on sunscreen markets“MB is commonly used as an aquaculture supplement to treat injured or sick fish,” says the study.
The study finds that 80% of sunscreens today use the chemical oxybenzone, which has been evidenced to damage aquatic ecosystems. Many countries have already banned oxybenzone due to its destructive effects on corals. 

Sunscreen is primarily used to protect healthy skin based on SPF (Sun Protection Factor). However, Mblue Labs notes that SPF only measures UVB and not UVA, which causes “oxidative stress and photo-aging.” The study flags that UVA waves are longer and deeply penetrate the skin causing ROS in the dermis. 

The Bluevado SunFix contains safe active ingredients such as zinc oxide (8.2%) and titanium (2.8%) dioxide with a safe measure of MB. The product also claims to protect from retinol sun sensitivity, reduce fine lines, prevent premature aging and provide skin hydration. It is also suitable for all skin types. 

Edited by Venya Patel