Novel Sustainable Inorganic Hollow UV Filters for Cosmetic Applications

Overview

CUHK has developed a novel fabrication of submicron mineral-based hollow spheres and successfully applied on the eco-physical UV filters in sunscreen. The technology has been commercialised through O-Spheres Limited, a CUHK TSSSU Company founded in 2022. This technology has been licensed by CUHK academic-led start-up O-Spheres Limited.

  • Novel Sustainable Inorganic Hollow UV Filters for Cosmetic Applications 0
  • Novel Sustainable Inorganic Hollow UV Filters for Cosmetic Applications 1
  • Novel Sustainable Inorganic Hollow UV Filters for Cosmetic Applications 2
Research completion
2022
Commercialisation opportunities
Product/service distribution
Problem addressed

UV filters in sunscreen possess various limitations. Chemical UV filters are detrimental to coral reefs and banned in several countries, also associating microplastics pollution. Physical UV filters have a poor texture and leave unwanted white marks. Global personal cosmetics companies desperately seek alternatives to address the abovementioned market pain points.

Innovation
  • Adjustable Size Range - From several hundred nanometers to tens of microns
  • Compatible - Compatible with various personal skin care formulations
  • Highly Customised - Transferable to different materials on demand as eco-friendly alternatives in different industries
Key impact
  • Pure inorganic ingredients hence coral-friendly
  • Polymer FREE to avoid microplastics problem in sunscreen
  • Improved UVA & UVB protection with Enhanced UV scattering power hence reducing TiO₂ amount in sunscreen
  • Better texture & skin feeling and avoid white masks
Award
  • 2023 Hong Kong Sustainable Development Innovation and Technology Awards - Distinction Award in Healthcare Innovation and Technology & Distinction Award in Ecological Conservation Innovation and Technology
  • 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva - Silver medal
  • CUHK Innovation Day 2022 Elevator Pitch Competition - 2nd Runner-up
Application
  • Physical UV filters in sunscreen and personal care products
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all around the world. Four Nobel laureates are associated with the university, and it is the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong with recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal and Veblen Prize sitting as faculty in residence. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an extensive alumni network. CUHK undertakes a wide range of research programmes in many subject areas, and strives to provide scope for all academic staff to undertake consultancy and collaborative projects with industry. 

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