Natural sunscreens shield the skin from harmful radiation, without triggering allergic reactions. In a recently published study, a group of researchers has discovered a novel compound, β-glucose-bound hydroxy mycosporine-sarcosine, which is produced in thermal cyanobacteria under UV-A/UV-B and salt stress. This compound has a unique biosynthesis pathway which is different from the typical mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) biosynthesis mechanism. This discovery aids industrial biotechnology in the production of natural UV-filter compounds.