A newly developed plant-based sunscreen made from tea plant pollen could soon provide effective UV protection, offering a potential solution to both skincare and environmental concerns. Traditional chemical sunscreens have long been linked to coral reef damage, raising growing concerns over their ecological impact.

According to Live Science, researchers have now created a natural alternative that may not only protect users from harmful sun exposure but also minimize the risks posed to marine ecosystems. This innovative sunscreen could play a crucial role in reducing environmental harm, offering a promising development in the search for eco-friendly sun protection.

Natural Sunblock With Zero Reef Impact

In a study published on September 4 in Advanced Functional Materials, scientists at Nanyang Technological University Singapore unveiled a UV-blocking gel made from the pollen of Camellia sinensis — the same plant used to produce green and black tea. The gel provided sun protection comparable to commercial sunscreens, but without the coral bleaching effects caused by traditional chemical formulas.

We wanted to develop an affordable and effective natural sunscreen that is non-allergenic to humans and eco-friendly to the environment – said Cho Nam-Joon, a materials scientist and study co-author at NTU Singapore.

We know that pollen is naturally UV-resistant, as its shell needs to protect its inner contents from harsh environmental conditions, including sunlight.

The Problem With Traditional Sunscreen

Researchers estimate that between 4,000 and 14,000 tons of UV-filtering compounds from chemical sunscreens — equivalent to 3,600 to 12,700 metric tons — enter the ocean each year. These compounds, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylate, are known to cause coral bleaching by disrupting marine symbiosis. This pollution peaks during the summer tourism season in popular coastal regions.

Although mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are sometimes marketed as “reef-safe,” scientists continue to evaluate their long-term impact on marine wildlife.

Pollen Power: How Camellia Beats the Sun

The research team extracted pollen from both camellia and sunflower plants to test their UV protection. Both were formulated into water-based sunscreen gels and evaluated under UV exposure.

Tests confirmed that the camellia pollen gel absorbed both UVA and UVB rays, with stronger protection against UVB — the radiation responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. The gel achieved an SPF of around 30, while the sunflower version reached only SPF 5.

When tested on mice exposed to UV light for a few minutes per day, the sunscreen gels significantly reduced skin damage. Notably, mice that didn’t receive any sunscreen showed visibly thinner skin, indicating clear sun-induced tissue degradation.

Sunscreen That’s Cooler on Skin — Literally

On human skin, the camellia sunscreen offered another surprising benefit: it kept the skin up to 9°F (5°C) cooler than skin protected with standard chemical sunscreen. That’s not just comfort — it suggests a significant difference in heat absorption and skin stress.

Because camellia flowers are self-pollinating, their pollen is generally non-allergenic, adding another layer of appeal for sensitive users.

No Coral Bleaching — Even After Two Months

To evaluate ecological safety, the team tested their plant-based sunscreens on hard coral (Acropora) in saltwater tanks. Corals exposed to regular chemical sunscreen began bleaching in just two days, turning completely white within two weeks.

By contrast, corals exposed to the camellia and sunflower gels remained visibly healthy — even after two months.

What they’re doing are first steps, but they’re really important first steps – said Craig Downs,

Director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, a nonprofit focused on environmental protection, who was not involved in the study.