Sunscreens enhanced with lignin, a component of wood, can have sun protection factors (SPFs) that exceed 180. They also seem to last longer and penetrate less into the skin than existing products, potentially making them safer.

Sunscreens are an important defence against skin cancer, but, in recent years, there has been growing unease and confusion regarding their safety. A recent US survey found that 14 per cent of young adults think that daily sunscreen use is more harmful than direct sun exposure.