Integrated Visible Light and Oxidant Protection Through Multifunctional Sunscreens

High-energy visible radiation (HEVR) induces adverse effects on the skin, yet a limited number of commercial compounds have been approved for use in humans. As most conventional filters are ineffective in this region, there is an urgent need to develop new and more effective components for sunscreen formulations. Here, we have designed and prepared a new family of HEVR photoprotectors with enhanced properties. These compounds feature tunable absorption, solubility, and improved photostability in solution and in formulation. Furthermore, they also show a significant antioxidant capacity, a complementary and desired property for cosmetic products, as it prevents long-term damage. Finally, sunscreen preparations, including the best-performing compounds, were benchmarked against standard formulations and commercial products, resulting in better photoprotection when compared to the state-of-the-art HEVR sunscreens.