Chitosan-Based Sunscreens: A Novel Approach to UV Protection and Skin Health

Chitosan: The Next-Generation Ingredient for Sustainable Sunscreen and Enhanced Skin Health

In an era where environmental consciousness and personal well-being converge, the demand for innovative, sustainable, and highly effective skincare solutions is paramount. Among the myriad of natural biopolymers, chitosan, a versatile derivative of chitin, is emerging as a groundbreaking ingredient in the formulation of next-generation sunscreens. Beyond its well-documented applications in wound healing and moisture retention, chitosan offers a unique combination of properties that position it as a powerful agent for enhanced UV protection and comprehensive skin health.

This article delves into the remarkable attributes of chitosan that make it an ideal candidate for advanced sunscreen formulations. We will explore its inherent UV-shielding capabilities, its synergistic effects with other active ingredients, and its profound benefits for overall skin vitality.

The Multifaceted Power of Chitosan in UV Protection

Traditional sunscreens often rely on a combination of organic and inorganic filters to absorb or reflect harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While effective, these formulations can sometimes raise concerns regarding skin irritation, environmental impact, and formulation stability. Chitosan presents a compelling alternative, offering a natural, biocompatible, and multifunctional approach to photoprotection.

One of the most significant discoveries in recent research is chitosan's inherent ability to contribute to UV shielding. While chitosan itself does not directly absorb UV radiation across the entire spectrum, its unique polymeric structure allows for effective integration with other UV-absorbing compounds, leading to enhanced protective capabilities. For instance, studies have shown that chitosan-based hydrogels, when integrated with compounds like 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHBA) and vanillin (VA), exhibit exceptional UV-shielding properties with broad absorption across both UVB and UVA regions (290-400 nm) (Heydari et al., 2025). These hydrogels not only provide robust UV protection but also demonstrate potent antioxidant and self-healing properties, contributing to a more holistic approach to skin defense.

Furthermore, chitosan's ability to form films plays a crucial role in its UV protective efficacy. When combined with materials like iron-modified hydroxyapatite (FeHAp), chitosan films have achieved remarkably high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) values, exceeding 50 (Cunha et al., 2020). This indicates that chitosan, when properly formulated, can create a physical barrier that significantly reduces the penetration of harmful UV rays into the skin. The synergistic effect observed in these formulations underscores chitosan's potential to enhance the performance of existing UV filters, making sunscreens more effective and potentially reducing the concentration of synthetic chemicals required.

Beyond its direct contribution to UV absorption and reflection, chitosan offers additional benefits that bolster skin's resilience against sun damage. Its film-forming capacity creates a protective layer that can help to prevent the adhesion of environmental pollutants, which can exacerbate UV-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, chitosan's inherent antioxidant properties, as highlighted in the hydrogel sunscreen research (Heydari et al., 2025), can neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure, thereby mitigating cellular damage and premature skin aging. This dual action of physical protection and biological defense positions chitosan as a superior ingredient for comprehensive photoprotection.

Chitosan: A Catalyst for Skin Health and Repair

Beyond UV defense: Chitosan acts as a catalyst, transforming sunscreen into a comprehensive solution for skin vitality and recovery.

Chitosan's utility in sunscreens extends far beyond its UV-blocking capabilities. Its remarkable biocompatibility and diverse biological activities make it a powerful ingredient for promoting overall skin health, addressing concerns ranging from moisture retention to anti-aging and wound healing. These properties are particularly crucial in a sunscreen formulation, as they help to counteract the damaging effects of sun exposure and maintain skin integrity.

One of the most well-documented benefits of chitosan is its exceptional ability to enhance skin hydration and moisture retention. Chitosan, being a hydrophilic polymer, possesses a strong affinity for water molecules. When applied topically, it forms a breathable, protective film on the skin's surface. This film acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a key factor in skin dryness and barrier dysfunction (Liu et al., 2025). By maintaining an optimal moisture balance, chitosan contributes to a supple, smooth, and healthy complexion, which is often compromised by prolonged sun exposure.

Beyond hydration, chitosan actively strengthens the skin's natural barrier function. A robust skin barrier is essential for defending against environmental aggressors, including UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens. Chitosan's film-forming properties create a physical shield, while its ability to interact with skin cells can promote the integrity of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis (Liu et al., 2025). This enhanced barrier function not only reduces moisture loss but also minimises the penetration of irritants and allergens, leading to more resilient and less sensitive skin.

Chitosan also exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, which are invaluable in the context of sun protection. Sunburn, a common consequence of excessive UV exposure, is essentially an inflammatory response. Chitosan can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness by modulating inflammatory pathways (Liu et al., 2025). Furthermore, its well-known capacity to accelerate wound healing, by stimulating fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, means that chitosan-based sunscreens can offer a reparative benefit, aiding in the recovery of skin stressed by sun exposure (Liu et al., 2025).

The antimicrobial activity of chitosan adds another layer of protection. While not directly related to UV filtering, this property can help to prevent bacterial growth on the skin, particularly in conditions where the skin barrier might be compromised due to sun exposure or minor abrasions. This contributes to a cleaner, healthier skin environment, reducing the risk of secondary infections.

Finally, emerging research suggests that chitosan may play a role in anti-aging. Its antioxidant capabilities, as previously mentioned, combat oxidative stress induced by UV radiation, a primary driver of premature skin aging. Additionally, some studies indicate that chitosan may stimulate collagen production, a vital protein for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity (Liu et al., 2025). By supporting collagen synthesis and protecting against oxidative damage, chitosan-based sunscreens can contribute to a more youthful and resilient skin appearance over time.

Synergistic Formulations: Enhancing Sunscreen Efficacy with Chitosan

Innovative formulations leverage chitosan to unlock enhanced efficacy and stability for a new generation of sunscreens and skincare.

The true potential of chitosan in sunscreen formulations is often realised through its synergistic interactions with other active ingredients. Chitosan's unique chemical structure, particularly its positively charged amino groups, allows it to form complexes with various compounds, enhancing their stability, bioavailability, and overall efficacy. This makes it an invaluable excipient and active ingredient in modern cosmetic science.

For instance, the combination of chitosan with inorganic UV filters like zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) can lead to improved dispersion and stability of these mineral particles within the formulation. Chitosan can act as a natural encapsulating agent, preventing agglomeration of nanoparticles and ensuring a more uniform protective layer on the skin. Studies have shown that ZnO-chitosan adducts can provide a higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) than pure ZnO, indicating enhanced UV protection through synergistic effects (Battistin et al., 2024). This not only boosts the sunscreen's performance but also potentially reduces the concentration of inorganic filters needed, leading to lighter, less visible formulations.

Furthermore, chitosan's ability to form films and gels can improve the adherence and water resistance of sunscreen formulations. This is critical for maintaining photoprotection during activities involving water exposure or sweating. By creating a durable, yet breathable, film on the skin, chitosan helps to keep the UV filters in place, ensuring continuous and effective protection against solar radiation.

Chitosan also synergises with other beneficial skincare ingredients. Its moisturising and barrier-enhancing properties complement antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and skin-repairing compounds, creating a comprehensive skincare product that not only protects against UV damage but also actively promotes skin health. This holistic approach aligns with the growing consumer demand for multifunctional cosmetics that offer more than just basic protection.

Entoplast: Pioneering Sustainable Chitin and Chitosan

As the cosmetics industry increasingly shifts towards sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, the origin of raw materials becomes a critical factor. Entoplast stands at the forefront of this movement, providing high-quality chitin and chitosan derived from Black Soldier Flies (BSF). This innovative approach offers significant advantages over traditional crustacean-derived sources, ensuring both superior product quality and environmental responsibility.

Traditional chitin extraction from crustaceans often involves environmental concerns such as overfishing and the generation of substantial waste. Moreover, crustacean-derived chitin can contain residual proteins that pose allergenic risks, particularly for individuals with shellfish allergies. Entoplast's BSF-derived chitin and chitosan circumvent these issues. Black Soldier Flies are highly efficient at converting organic waste into valuable biomaterials, significantly reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy (González-Lara et al., 2025). This sustainable sourcing method aligns perfectly with the growing demand for eco-friendly and safe cosmetic ingredients.

Entoplast's Sustainable Source: The Black Soldier Fly, key to producing high-quality, eco-friendly chitin and chitosan for advanced skincare.

The chitin and chitosan produced by Entoplast are characterised by their purity and consistent quality, making them ideal for sensitive applications like sunscreen formulations. The absence of crustacean-specific allergens ensures a safer product for a broader consumer base, addressing a key concern in the cosmetic industry.

Processed chitin and its derivative chitosan exhibit minimal allergenic potential in consumer applications, as demonstrated in studies such as Amaral et al., (2016), which investigated chitosan processed wine, and Waibel et al. (2011), which assessed chitosan based wound dressings. BSF-derived chitin offers an additional advantage as it avoids crustacean-specific allergens entirely and further reduces risks from cross-reactive proteins through structural differences and thorough purification processes.

By choosing Entoplast's BSF-derived chitin and chitosan, manufacturers can develop sunscreens that are not only highly effective in UV protection and skin health but also meet the highest standards of sustainability and safety.

Entoplast's commitment to innovation and sustainable practices positions it as a vital partner for companies looking to revolutionise their sunscreen product lines. Our advanced manufacturing processes ensure a consistent supply of premium-grade chitin and chitosan, enabling our partners to develop cutting-edge formulations that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers and scientific communities alike. The market for chitin and chitosan is on a significant upward trajectory, projected to reach substantial figures in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and biocompatible materials across various industries (Global Market Insights, 2024). This growth presents a unique opportunity for collaboration and investment in the future of skincare.

Conclusion: The Future of Sun Protection is Chitosan-Based

The convergence of advanced material science and a growing global demand for sustainable, effective, and skin-friendly solutions has set the stage for chitosan to redefine the landscape of UV protection. Chitosan-based sunscreens represent a paradigm shift, moving beyond mere UV filtration to offer comprehensive skin health benefits, including superior moisture retention, enhanced barrier function, anti-inflammatory effects, and even anti-aging properties. The ability of chitosan to synergise with existing UV filters, improving their efficacy and stability, further solidifies its position as an indispensable ingredient in next-generation formulations.

Entoplast is at the forefront of this transformation. As a dedicated manufacturer of premium chitin and chitosan derived from Black Soldier Flies, we offer a sustainable, high-quality, and allergen-reduced alternative to traditional sources. Our commitment to purity and innovation ensures that our partners can develop sunscreens and other cosmetic products that meet the highest standards of efficacy, safety, and environmental stewardship. By choosing Entoplast, you are not just sourcing an ingredient; you are investing in a future where advanced skincare is synonymous with sustainability and superior performance.

We invite industry leaders, researchers, and forward-thinking investors to explore the unparalleled potential of Entoplast’s chitin and chitosan. Partner with us to unlock new possibilities in UV protection and skin health, and together, let us shape a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

For more information on our products, capabilities, and partnership opportunities, feel free to contact us at hello@entoplast.com or by using the form below. Together, we can cultivate a healthier and more sustainable future.