The Sunscreen That Saves Reefs: Singapore Scientists Turn Tea Pollen into Ocean-Friendly UV Shield

A new kind of sunscreen may soon change not only how we protect our skin, but how we treat the sea. Researchers in Singapore have developed a plant-based alternative made from camellia flower pollen that blocks UV rays without harming coral reefs — something most commercial sunscreens can't claim.

Each year, an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen chemicals wash off swimmers and snorkelers into marine environments, especially near beaches packed with tourists. Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are commonly used for UV protection, but they’ve been linked to coral bleaching and long-term ecological damage, according to Live Science.

A new sunscreen made from tea pollen could help protect coral reefs.

When Protection Backfires

Sunscreen is essential for preventing skin cancer, but its unintended effect on coral reefs is alarming. Lab tests have shown that some popular chemical filters can begin bleaching corals in as little as two days and completely kill coral colonies in under two weeks, Popular Science reports.

Even mineral sunscreens, often thought to be safer, aren’t risk-free. According to The Cool Down, when ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are used in nanoparticle form, they may still harm marine organisms, especially when released into ecosystems in large quantities.

This raises concerns because coral reefs, though they cover just 1% of the ocean floor, support around 25% of all marine species. Their survival is vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection.

Chemical sunscreens wash into oceans and contribute to coral bleaching.

Tea Plants to the Rescue

At Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, scientists have created a transparent microgel using pollen from the Camellia sinensis plant — better known as the tea plant. The outer shell of pollen is made of sporopollenin, a naturally UV-resistant biopolymer that’s so tough it has been found in fossils millions of years old, as detailed by ScienceLine.

Using a water-based extraction process, the researchers were able to preserve this protective structure and create a sunscreen that’s non-toxic, non-allergenic, and reef-safe. The final product, a golden gel, resembles commercial creams in texture and provides SPF 30 protection.

Chemical sunscreens can bleach coral in as little as 48 hours.

Cooler Skin, Healthier Reefs

The gel doesn’t just block harmful UVB rays — it also helps regulate skin temperature. Because sporopollenin absorbs less energy in the visible and near-infrared spectrum, the camellia-based sunscreen can keep skin up to 9°F cooler for around 20 minutes after application, according to Live Science.

In a side-by-side lab test with coral samples, the difference between the new sunscreen and standard chemical versions was stark. The chemically exposed coral bleached within days and died by week two. Coral treated with the pollen gel remained healthy after 60 days in saltwater tanks. According to ScienceLine, these findings were part of the team’s broader efforts to assess ecological safety.

Mineral sunscreens can still harm marine life when in nanoparticle form.

Challenges Before Hitting the Market

While early results are promising, scientists caution that the product still needs human clinical trials and regulatory review before it can be sold. That said, the team is already building a production prototype facility and engaging with cosmetic companies, suggesting a commercial release may not be far off. The Cool Down reports that the researchers are hopeful the technology could lead to a “sustainable real-world solution.”

They’re not starting from scratch. The same lab has previously repurposed pollen for other uses, including environmental cleanup and sustainable packaging, which demonstrates their ability to move research from concept to application. As Popular Science notes, even a micron-thick layer of the gel was enough to block UV rays in tests on mice, showing performance on par with commercial sunscreens.

Coral reefs near tourist beaches are especially vulnerable to sunscreen runoff.

A Protective Future

If future trials confirm its safety and effectiveness in real-world conditions, this camellia pollen gel may be a pivotal advance for sun protection — not just for humans, but for marine ecosystems as well. The research points toward a future where we don’t have to choose between shielding our skin and saving coral reefs.

For now, the oceans are watching. But science may finally be catching up.