Developing a biodegradable sunscreen that is safe and effective for all skin tones
Official title: A Biobased Biodegradable Sunscreen that is Safe, Removes Environmental Impact, is Inclusive of all Skin Tones, and is for the Purpose of Eliminating Disparities in Melanoma Mortality Rates
Funded at Olipha INC · NIH-10918693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new biodegradable sunscreen that’s safe for the planet and effective for everyone, especially those with darker skin tones, to help protect against harmful UV rays without the usual white cast.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Olipha INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wilmington, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $293,629 |
| NIH project number | 1R41MD019548-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of all skin tones, particularly those at higher risk for melanoma due to disparities in mortality rates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use sunscreen or have no risk factors for melanoma may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a biodegradable sunscreen that is safe for the environment and effective for individuals of all skin tones. It aims to address the disparities in melanoma mortality rates by developing a physical sunscreen using a natural polyester called poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). This sunscreen is designed to minimize the whitening effect often seen with traditional physical sunscreens, making it more appealing for people with darker skin tones. The project will involve producing and testing this innovative formulation to ensure it effectively blocks harmful UV rays while being safe for both users and the environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a sunscreen that significantly reduces melanoma risk for individuals of all skin tones, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing inclusive and effective sunscreens, but this specific approach using PHB is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Olipha INC
Wilmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cal, Andrew — Olipha INC
- Study coordinator: Cal, Andrew
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.