Research Marks Methylene Blue as Effective Coral-safe Sunscreen
June 10, 2021
Contact Author Michele Behrens
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Research has shown that methylene blue could be an effective alternative to organic sunscreens alleged to cause coral damage.
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A study published in
Nature Scientific Reports has found that methylene blue holds potential as a highly effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB filter. In addition, it repairs ROS and UV irradiation-induced DNA damage while being safe for coral reefs.
The study proposed the material as an alternative to organic sunscreen ingredients. According to the report, 80% of today’s sunscreens use oxybenzone as a chemical UV filter, despite studies implicating its destruction of coral reefs. Several states and countries have banned the use of oxybenzone and its derivatives to stop the effects on the world’s marine ecosystem.