Gadusol, a naturally occurring photoprotective molecule found in fish roe, is capturing the attention of the cosmetic industry for its remarkable potential as a natural sunscreen ingredient.
A pioneering study conducted by researchers in Argentina and Brazil has revealed that fish roe extracts not only provide effective protection against UVB radiation but also display notable antioxidant properties and thermal stability. These findings could pave the way for sustainable – and even circular – cosmetic, by making use of aquaculture by-products.
The gadusol samples were extracted from the roe of yellowtail amberjack (Seriola lalandi). Results showed that the extracts offered efficient UVB protection in both in vitro – in human keratinocyte cells – and in vivo, in the model organism nematode Caenorhadbitis elegans.
According to the study, the application of the extract significantly reduced the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated by UVB exposure in the worms. At the highest UVB doses tested in vivo, gadusol treatment reduced wrom mortality by 10%.
In human skin cells, even low concentrations of gadusol proved capable of significantly shielding cells from UV-induced damage – particularly when applied during and after exposure.
Another key finding was the remarkable stability of crude gadusol extracts over time, remaining effective after six months. The compound also demonstrated high thermal resistance, maintaining stability even after four hours at 90ºC – a critical requirement for the development of efficient UV filters.
This innovative approach provides a practical framework for developing new applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
An additional potential use arises in the food sector, where gadusol’s strong antioxidant capacity could make it an effective natural preservative for food packaging, extending shelf life without the need for systhetic additives.
Beyond the lab
Fish accumulate gadusol to protect themselves, their larvae, and their eggs from ultraviolet damage. Species such as zebrafish, yellowtail amberjack, and cod among other fish marine species possess genetic machinery to synthetise gadusol on their own, while others acquire the molecule through the consumption of algae, zooplankton, or invertebrates.
