An octopus could hold the secret to protecting your skin from the sun

Scientists discovered that the chemical they use to change color could also help improve sunscreen—without damaging coral reefs.

If you take a trip to Maui, you won’t be able to buy—or use—chemical sunscreens while you’re there. The island was one of the first to ban all of the products, in 2022, after lab studies suggested that some sunscreen ingredients could harm coral reefs, fish, dolphins, and other marine life. Each year, by one estimate, as much as 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in oceans around the world when people swim or snorkel. The chemicals can also wash down drains to the ocean when you take a shower. Studies suggest that some chemicals in sunscreen might also harm human health.