Photolyase Enzymes

What is it?

Photolyase enzymes are light-activated DNA-repair enzymes, sourced from microorganisms and incorporated into some sunscreens/after-sun products to actively help repair UV-induced DNA damage rather than only preventing it.

What does it do?

Commonly used in sunscreens/after-sun formulations as a non-filtering photoprotective ingredient that targets active DNA repair rather than UV blocking alone. A review of non-filtering photoprotective ingredients classifies DNA-repair enzymes like photolyase among evidence-backed mechanisms beyond UV filtering, and a biotechnology study successfully produced a stable, highly efficient recombinant photolyase for this purpose — though direct human clinical efficacy trials specific to topical photolyase are limited.

Real products containing this

• Helase 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen — Lamelle

Sources