New research finds that grease that coats polar bear fur contains a specialized mixture of chemicals that make it resistant to freezing.

The de-icing properties of polar bear sebum could fuel new innovations, scientists say, potentially unlocking alternatives to harmful “forever chemicals” used in ice-resistant coatings today

Now, researchers have discovered the bears have another unexpected Arctic adaptation: greasy fur. It’s a trait that, surprisingly, might help us find alternatives to “forever chemicals,” a class of widely used compounds that are linked to a range of health problems in people.

Polar bears need all the help they can get to survive their frosty Arctic environment. One of their biggest survival secrets appears to be greasy hair. The sebum–or hair grease–on their fur makes it very difficult for ice to stick.

Polar bears thrive in the harsh Arctic due to unique adaptations. Scientists discovered their greasy fur prevents ice from sticking, helping them stay warm. A study analyzed the chemical makeup of their hair,