Argentina Develops Triple-Action Sunscreen

By Estudio Chaloupka

A team of CONICET researchers is developing a cutting-edge sunscreen with triple threat protection. It not only shields against harmful UV rays, but also repels pesky mosquitoes and boasts anti-inflammatory properties.

CONICET, short for the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, is Argentina's leading government agency dedicated to promoting scientific advancement. 

This innovative project, led by two research groups based in the city of Bahía Blanca, is a collaborative effort with a local microenterprise specializing in natural cosmetics.

"For over ten years, we've explored themes related to this project," explains Verónica Lassalle, a CONICET researcher and head of the group. "Now, we're combining our expertise to create groundbreaking products that tackle real-world problems."

The secret sauce? Nanoparticles.

The sunscree, called Reprotector UV, relies on microscopic zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles, the only UV filters approved for natural and organic cosmetics by international standards like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But this formula goes beyond basic sun protection. It incorporates a synergistic blend of essential oils with known repellent properties, along with natural ingredients boasting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Reprotector UV aims to become a game-changer in public health by simultaneously preventing UV-related illnesses and insect-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya fever.

The research team, leveraging nanotechnology, has crafted a formula that surpasses traditional sunscreens containing larger particles. 

The mosquito-repelling power comes from essential oils extracted from aromatic plants like cymbopogon, ocimum, and eucalyptus. These oils have proven effective against various blood-sucking insects, forming a safe and effective barrier without compromising human health.

To bring this product to market, the researchers' immediate goal is to complete mosquito testing and conduct additional safety and efficacy trials. Next, they'll navigate regulatory hurdles to gain approval from Argentina's National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) or relevant provincial authorities. This would pave the way to scale up production and finally launch Reprotector UV commercially.