We combine boron, Türkiye's strategic natural resource, with bioactive molecules to create a first-of-its-kind cosmetic active that brings boron into sun protection and helps the skin repair UV damage.
Carried out under the TÜBİTAK 1505 university-industry programme, executed with Atatürk University's Faculty of Medicine (Department of Pharmacology).
Climate change is lengthening our exposure to UV
More exposure, more harm
A 1% thinning of the ozone layer is linked to a 2–5% rise in skin-cancer cases (WHO). Demand for sun care is growing quickly.
SPF is no longer enough
Consumers now expect antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-blemish benefits in the same product, not just a filter.
Kinder chemistry
Roughly 14 million litres of sunscreen reach the Mediterranean each year; demand for mineral and natural filters is climbing fast.
A home-grown active
Local formulators import their active ingredients at 150–1000 €/kg. A domestic boron active reduces that dependence.
Boron esters: a new generation of SPF actives
Boric acid readily binds the cis-diol groups of certain bioactive molecules. Using this, boron is esterified with proven skin actives and stabilized with sodium, calcium and zinc counter-ions, giving a family of boron-ester actives that both protect and nourish the skin.
The lead candidate
Binds boron through its phenolic group, with a crystal structure confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It sits at the centre of high-protection systems that need little or no chemical UV filter.
Antioxidant + SPF synergy
The ascorbate anion reacts with boric acid at its cis-diol position, giving mono- and di-ester forms that pair sun protection with antioxidant defence.
Barrier + hydration
A high-molecular-weight hyaluronate ligand is integrated into the ester structure to add skin-barrier support and moisture retention.
Up to 3× the SPF
With zinc oxide held constant, the boron esters multiplied SPF by up to 3× over baseline, reaching an SPF of about 89 in a single active. Non-cytotoxic on skin fibroblasts, with antioxidant and anti-photoaging activity.
No prior patent or product for boron in UV protection
Against leading multifunctional sunscreens, the project output stands out on skin-barrier protection and anti-inflammatory effect while using fewer chemical filters, thanks to the boron-ascorbate and boron-pyridoxine chemistry. No patent or commercial product was found for the use of boron compounds with bioactive molecules for UV protection, making this a genuine first in application, and one that strengthens Türkiye's place in the boron value chain.
Nine patent applications, filed
Filed with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 17 July 2025, covering boron esters of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), hyaluronic acid and vitamin C as calcium, zinc and sodium salts. Each is claimed for SPF enhancement, prevention of UVA- and UVB-induced skin damage, and prevention of sun-related skin cancer.
Among Türkiye's leading names in the field
Customer: Sanitrum Biyoteknoloji, whose brand Syorell was the first in Türkiye to use the MicNo® zinc-oxide UV filter and is listed by the US-based EWG among the cleanest Turkish sunscreens (ISO 9001 and Leaping Bunny certified). Infrastructure includes Atatürk University's DAYTAM centre and Sanitrum's own pilot production line.
The science is proven. The opportunity is open.
Laboratory-validated and patent-stage, ready for formula adaptation and pilot production, and available to manufacturers as raw materials. Target markets: the United States, Asia and Australia.
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