ARS | Publication request: VEGETABLE OIL-BASED SUNSCREENS

Submitted to: Lipid Technology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: November 17, 2005
Publication Date: December 1, 2005
Citation: Compton, D.L. 2005. Vegetable oil-based sunscreens. Lipid Technology 17:276-279.

Technical Abstract: We have developed an environmentally friendly method for making ultraviolet (UV) absorbing lipids by enzymatically esterifying vegetable oil with ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is a compound of the cinnamon family that is found in oat, rice, and corn bran, and occurs naturally in our food supply. The feruloyl portion of the structured lipids absorbs UVA and UVB radiation while the fatty acid chains give the feruloylated lipids their water insolubility. These characteristics make the new material an ideal, all-natural replacement for petroleum-based UVA and UVB absorbing active ingredients currently used in sunscreens and cosmetics. Additionally, the environmentally benign feruloylated lipids can be used as an all-natural UV protectant in agricultural sprays and industrial paints and coatings. The development of the feruloylated lipids is the result of our mission to develop new, environmentally benign methods to convert excess soybean oil produced in the U.S. to new, value-added uses. These new uses will lead to expanded markets for commodity vegetable oils and will enhance the profitability of small- and medium-sized agribusinesses.