Teen scientist makes green sunscreen

Britain's youngest scientist - 24th July 2023

A high school science student's won the UK Young Scientist of the Year award for her work on eco-friendly sunscreen. Kaycee Deery's goal is to reduce the risk of skin cancer and to protect sea life from the harmful chemicals in sunscreens.

Deery produced her own UVA light box, which she used to test natural oils. She tested each natural oil for its sun protection factor (SPF). UVA light ages the skin by making it wrinkle, while UVB light burns the skin and can cause skin cancer.

The student's experiments found several natural, eco-friendly SPF options. These had UVA sun protection factors from SPF9 to SPF34. Deery's now planning to buy a UVB light. This will enable her to test the oils against skin damage that causes cancer.

Deery was motivated to do her tests after she read an article about dangerous chemicals which pollute water. She learned that normal sunscreen negatively affects fish and sea life. The chemicals in sunscreens destroy coral reefs and affect the reproduction cycles of fish.

In the US, skin cancer has risen by 77 percent over 20 years. The main way to prevent skin cancer is by wearing sunscreen. However, experts say that there are alternatives to sunscreen. People can keep their skin covered by clothing and stay out of direct sunlight.

Deery's science teacher, Anna Blanking, thinks that she's doing a wonderful job. Blanking encourages her female students to be ambitious and reach for the stars.