Shinorine (Figure 1) is one of the rare natural mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) from nature that has the highest absorbing potential of ultraviolet (UV). Because it shows highest absorption in the UV-A range, which is the main cause of skin ageing (blemishes, wrinkles and dullness), skin anti-ageing applications show great potential and are triggering much interest from industry. In nature, shinorine can only be obtained in trivial amounts from limited resources such as red algae and cyanobacteria.

• High UV-A Absorption: Shinorine covers a wide range of ultraviolet (280–360nm), and especially has maximal absorption at the UV-A² range (320–340nm), which existing chemical UV filters do not cover sufficiently (Figure 2). UV-A rays are said to likely reach to the ground year-round and penetrate through windows, therefore exerting great impact on skin photoageing. The coverage by shinorine could be expected to protect skin from such rays.
• Water Solubility: Shinorine is highly water-soluble, making it user-friendly in cosmetic formulations.
• Anti-ageing Effect: UV-A rays damage skin cells and stimulate the loss of collagen and elastin, causing wrinkle accumulations. Shinorine is known to prevent and reduce this from happening.² Scientific data has also shown shinorine to stimulate the biosynthesis of collagen in skin cells,³ supporting its anti-ageing function. In summary, reports on the physiological activities of mycosporine-like amino acids including shinorine is increasing and these ingredients are becoming more and more popular.