Abstract

Ozone depletion by anthropogenic gases hasincreased the atmospheric transmission of solar UVA andUVB radiations. There appears to be a logical link betweenthe natural defences of marine organisms against UVradiation and the prevention of UV-induced damage tohuman skin. UV light degrades organic molecules such asproteins and lipids, giving rise to structural changes thataffect their biological function. UVA absorption propertiesof crude methanolic lipid extracts from two elasmobranchiispecies, namely piked dogfish (Squalus acanthias) andmarbled stingray (Trygon pastinaca) were investigated andcompared with a commercially available sun care product(Nivea Moisturing Sun Lotion) in terms of sun protectionfactor (SPF), mean critical wavelength, mean UVA/UVBratio and UVA protection category. The lipid extract frommarbled stingray (Trygon pastinaca) exhibited aremarkably superior SPF protection comparable to thatobserved for Nivea Moisturing Sun Lotion. The popularity ofcosmetics derived from natural sources has recentlyincreased. Such products are ecologically ‘ethical’ as wellas effective and safe to use. Our data strongly supports thepossibility of replacing some UVR-absorbers present onsunscreen formulations, which could produce allergicreactions on skin, with these natural UV absorbingcompounds in future formulations of skin protectors.