Implementation

Background

Since centuries ago, methods involving the utilization of plant extracts that aimed to prevent sunburn existed amongst several ancient societies. Thanks to the progression of modern science, humanity was finally able to grip the culprit behind all the adverse solar effects — ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation can be simplified into two components: UVA and UVB. While UVA can penetrate the skin and damage the DNA, UVB impairs the exterior of the skin, induces inflammation, and causes sunburn. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation may result in the loss of collagen (also known as photoaging).

Figure 1:the design of our sunscreen

Presently, a rise in demand for protection against harmful solar rays granted modern photo-protective products such as sunscreens a vast global market with an estimated worth above 10 billion dollars. Currently, on the market, there are two primary types of sunscreens. At one end, physical sunscreens can reflect ultraviolet rays by using zinc oxide and titanium oxide in form of nanoparticles. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet rays with compounds such as oxybenzone and avobenzone. However, both sunscreens possess their respective disadvantages. For instance, physical sunscreens are rather thick, greasy, and non-preferable upon touch. Meanwhile not as viscous as their physical counterpart, chemical sunscreens produce skin-damaging free radicles that may potentially become carcinogenic through long-term usage. Additionally, chemical sunscreens damage coral reefs which makes them capable of giving rise to a catastrophic chain of events that would result in the contamination of the entire food chain with toxic particles. These discouraging effects are what we aimed to tackle. With synthetic biology, we aim to introduce an unforeseen product to the sunscreen market. Mycosporine-like amino acids - also known as MAAs - are currently the strongest, natural, ultraviolet radiation-absorbing compound known to humanity. MAA’s absorption spectrum ranges from 268-362nm, covering both UVA and UVB. In addition, not only are MAAs devoid of free radicles, but they are also beneficial to the environment. Lastly, MAAs can repair DNA damage caused by free radicals through the use of enzymes.

Target customers

Our primary customers are well-established sunscreen brands. Specifically, we seek to cooperate with skincare brands that can produce mature bases whilst lacking a suitable photo-protective substance. During the interview, Lantern showed great interest in our product and anticipation for future cooperation with our team.

Figure 2: we interviewed a famous sunscreen company----Lantern

Our secondary customers are female users. We started a survey and invited people to fill in the questions via WeChat, a popular Chinese social platform. According to the data, females spend more time outdoors on average. 35.27% of the interviewed females spend more than 5 days per week in locations with the presence of ample light. In addition, many female customers possess qualities such as high sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation or a family history of skin cancer. Some female customers report living in tropical climates or high altitudes. Conversely, only 17.47% of the interviewed males are exposed to light more than 5 days in a week. Thus, it can be deducted that female users would become the largest portion of potential customers. Regarding the male portion of our customers who are less inclined to using sunscreen, we plan to educate them about the importance of using sunscreens. After testing this strategy, the males became significantly more amenable to purchasing and using sunscreens. Additionally, we were informed that one of the main issues associated with males regarding sunscreen was how troublesome it was to apply. As a result, we were able to come-up with two solutions: either by producing the sunscreen with a lighter texture or simply by delivering the sunscreen in spray form, both of which are applicable to our MAA sunscreen. Furthermore, our products may appeal more to customers who wish to consume natural and environment-friendly sunscreens.

Moreover, we interviewed sailors in Shenzhen to learn more about people who need sunscreen in the ocean. We realized that sailors preferred to use fresh and conveniently applied sunscreens. The sailors claimed that should the sunscreen be able to protect the environment whilst fulfilling the the two previously stated requirements, they will definitely prefer to use it. As our sunscreen is dissolvable in water, the option of manufacturing our sunscreen as a spray is available. Thus, it will be suitable for customers who prefer sunscreens that are easily applied. In addition, our sunscreen in form of spray is also fresh for the skin. Hence forth, the sailors are curious towards how our sunscreen protect the environment in form of spray.

we interviewed these sailors who needed sunscreen every day

Practical Application

To pinpoint how our sunscreen could be integrated into people’s daily lives, we decided to interview several cosmetic firms and analyze how to improve our products.

Initially, we interviewed Lantern a cosmetics company for their opinion. We briefly outlined our advertisement factors inquired Lantern whether or not MAA is worthy of investing in. As a result, we were informed that customers focus primarily on the sunscreen’s safety and effectiveness. Additionally, we learned that customers don’t usually pay great attention to the sunscreens’ ingredients. Hence, we are now more confident than ever in our product being accepted. This would also mean that our sunscreen’s environment-friendly aspect may now act as an auxiliary role instead of being the main reason why people should purchase our unscreen. Additionally, we can now dedicate our advertisements on our sunscreen’s other qualities such as natural, non-irritating, and stability. Moreover, this interview spawned two other human practice activities.

Lantern reminded us that our product is considered as special product and required a formal check in terms of material used. Hence, we contacted the Food and Drug Administration for further details associated with official verification. We were later informed that the NMPA possess high standards for special cosmetics due to their potential risks. Fortunately, product verification had accelerated during the past few years due to the companies’ awareness of product safety and efficacy.

the members of our team took a photo with the head of Lantern

Inspired through our interview with Lantern, we decided to visit a variety of cosmetic shops in the local shopping centers. Our goal was to learn more in depth about the sunscreen market and its customer needs. After this investigation, we decided to set our price ranging somewhere between 300-400 RMB with SPF 50. We also decided to focus on advertising how our sunscreens are non-irritable, suitable for all types of skin and skin tones, and offer protection against all types of UV radiation. To attract one of our major customer groups — females, the advertisements would also include the sunscreen’s anti-photoaging property, color, and mild texture. On the other hand, we would also emphasize on convenience in applying the sunscreen via spray bottle to appeal male customers.

Ethical consumption is one of our most significant concerns. Modern industrial processes involved in the production of products often impose negative effects on the environment. Through the application of synthetic biology, not only will products attain a higher cost-performance index, but they are also relatively more environmental-friendly. Hence, we aim to inspire more people to protect the environment by promoting renewable and eco-friendly products.

Mall Interviews

Ethical consumption is one of our most significant concerns. Modern industrial processes involved in the production of products often impose negative effects on the environment. Through the application of synthetic biology, not only will products attain a higher cost-performance index, but they are also relatively more environmental-friendly. Hence, we aim to inspire more people to protect the environment by promoting renewable and eco-friendly products.

Possible Challenges

One of the challenges that arose is the mass production of our ingredients. Although we can produce the MAAs within the laboratory, a mass assembly line is required to produce and create enough sunscreen for sale. In terms of usage, our sunscreen is easily washed away when in contact with water becauseMAA particles are water-soluble. At the same time, it is also easily absorbed by skin, which means the duration may last longer.