Phone cover that burns like human skin? It’s real, and it wants you to wear sunscreen

The unveiling of the Skincase comes amid intense summer heatwaves sweeping across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

A flesh-like mobile phone case that looks, feels, and even reacts to sunlight like human skin has been unveiled as a striking reminder to apply sunscreen and stay protected from harmful UV rays.

Developed by French researcher Marc Teyssier in partnership with Virgin Media O2, the Skincase is a synthetic accessory designed to change colour when exposed to ultraviolet light, mimicking the effects of sunburn. The project was inspired by new research showing a stark disconnect between how frequently people check their phones during peak UV hours and how rarely they reapply sunscreen with similar consistency.

“My work often seeks to bridge the gap between our digital lives and our physical well-being,” Teyssier said in a press release. “The Skincase is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to promote health awareness and encourage positive behavioural change.”

Although its appearance may unsettle some users, Teyssier emphasised that the skin-like case is entirely synthetic. It was engineered using silicone combined with UV-reactive compounds to realistically replicate the texture and behaviour of human skin. Each case was handcrafted using a combination of 3D printing and sculpting techniques, with wrinkles individually carved into the surface to enhance its lifelike feel.

The case was released in three different skin tones, each designed to respond visibly to UV rays by changing colour, in a manner similar to real skin when sunburnt. The intention was to create a visceral, real-time warning system for phone users—especially while on holiday, where sun exposure can be prolonged and more intense.

“With mobiles being such an essential part of everyday life, especially on holiday according to our new research, we’ve created the Skincase to demonstrate in real time just how severe the effects of sunburn can be, while also promoting sun safety among holidaymakers,” said Chris Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2.

The unveiling of the Skincase comes amid intense summer heatwaves sweeping across the United States, Europe, and Asia, making sun safety a more pressing concern than ever. According to the research that inspired the product, the frequency with which people engage with their mobile phones during peak UV hours highlights a missed opportunity for regular sun protection reminders.

Teyssier is not new to working with synthetic skin technologies. In 2019, he introduced a separate artificial skin for smartphones that could detect and respond to human touch. At the time, speaking to New Scientist, he said he simply wanted to “pinch [his] phone”, which led to the creation of a phone accessory capable of feeling human contact and reciprocating it as a form of comfort.

Though the Skincase has received considerable attention online for both its eerie appearance and innovative function, it remains a prototype and is not yet commercially available. Virgin Media O2 and Teyssier have not confirmed a timeline for when, or if, the product will be released for public purchase.