When Was First Sunscreen Invented? Know Its Journey From the World War 2 Battlefield to the Beach

Sunscreens have become a part of our daily lives. Whenever we step outside our homes, we apply a sun guard to protect our skin from premature ageing. Not just outdoors, sunscreen is needed even when indoors at times. But have you ever wondered when sunscreen was invented?

For thousands of years, humans relied on natural methods such as clothing, olive oil, and plant extracts to protect their skin from the sun. However, the story of modern sunscreen as we know it didn't begin until the twentieth century. This article will dive deep into the history of sunscreen’s invention.

Historical Timeline: A Look Into The Surprising Discovery of Sunscreen 

A 2021 study, published in the journal Proceedings (Baylor University Medical Center), shared the fascinating history of sunscreen. Let’s take a look at its timeline:

Tanning Oils

The initial spark for modern sun protection originated from a Swiss chemist named Franz Greiter in 1938. Greiter suffered a severe sunburn while climbing a mountain, which motivated him to develop a protective cream. 

Around this same time, the idea of having a tanned body became a symbol of health and luxury in the western culture. But people who wanted to tan without burning. That is when early tanning oils with slight sun-filtering properties started hitting the market in the 1930s. 

Sunblock for World War 2 Soldiers

But the real breakthrough for heavy-duty sun protection happened out of necessity during World War II.  In 1942, the United States military needed a top-secret solution to protect soldiers and stranded sailors from severe desert and ocean sunburns. This led to the discovery of a thick, dark red substance called veterinary petroleum that was waterproof and highly effective at blocking the sun. While this sticky red paste protected soldiers' skin on the battlefield, it was far too messy and heavy for commoners to use daily. 

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Coppertone Suntan Lotion

Enter Benjamin Green. He was an American pharmacist and airman who had personally used this red petroleum during the war. In 1944, Green decided to take this wartime invention and make it much more appealing to the commoners. He mixed the heavy red petroleum with pleasant ingredients such as cocoa butter and coconut oil. This brilliant combination changed the sticky military supply into a smooth, sweet-smelling lotion that people actually wanted to wear. Green’s invention was eventually sold to the public. It became famously known as Coppertone suntan lotion. 

Glacier Cream and SPF

Meanwhile, back in Europe in 1946, Franz Greiter finally perfected this. He then started selling his own formula, which he named ‘Glacier Cream’. Greiter also went on to introduce the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating system in 1962, a standard which is still used globally. 

Over the following decades, sunscreens evolved further, transitioning from early tanning aids to serious health products designed to prevent skin cancer. 

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At present, scientists are continuously working to improve these formulas so they are safe for both human skin and delicate ocean environments such as coral reefs. From ancient plant oils to a sticky military paste and finally to the lightweight sprays of today, the journey of sunscreen has definitely been a fascinating one.

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Conclusion

Sunscreen evolved from a thick, sticky military paste to a sophisticated skincare essential. This is a real testament to scientific innovation. What started as a wartime necessity to protect soldiers from harsh battlefield conditions has now completely changed into our most vital daily defense against premature ageing, as well as skin cancer. Modern researchers continue to develop sunscreen formulas that are safer for both our bodies and the environment. This fascinating history of sun protection proves that this vital skincare product will only keep evolving and improving with time.