Nature‐Inspired Uv Filters: Synthetic Mycosporine‐Like Amino Acids and Gadusol Analogs for Enhanced Photoprotective and Antioxidant Performance

Photoprotection is a crucial strategy for preventing the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human skin, including sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer. Currently, there is a growing need to develop more sustainable UV filters, as the existing ones may pose environmental risks. In addition to UV protection, cosmetic formulations incorporate antioxidants such as ascorbic acid to neutralize the free radicals generated by UV radiation, helping to reduce the oxidative stress and DNA damage caused. Addressing this challenge, this study explores analogs of naturally absorbing molecules (mycosporine‐like amino acids and gadusol) as potential eco‐friendly UV filters. These compounds, found in marine organisms, exhibit strong UV absorption and antioxidant properties while being less harmful to aquatic ecosystems. Structural analogs of these molecules are synthesized and evaluated to assess their efficacy as novel UV filters. The findings suggest that these bioinspired compounds provide effective photoprotection, photostability, and safety, and their research and development could contribute to safer and more sustainable cosmetic formulations.