Naringin protects ultraviolet B-induced skin damage by regulating p38 MAPK signal pathway

•Naringin is known to have properties of free radical scavenging [10], inhibition of tumor growth [11] and anti-apoptosis [12].•In this study, we found that naringin can resist UVB-induced skin damage by inhibiting ROS and inflammation reactions in vivo and in vitro.•It can also prevent high COX-2 expression due to UV irradiation by inhibiting the activity of MAPK/p38 signal pathway.•Our results indicate that naringin is likely to be an effective therapeutic agent providing protection against UVB-induced skin disorders.