U.v. absorbers in sun cosmetics 1978

Abstract

The human sun-screen agents used by the cosmetics industry in Holland were investigated. During 1978, some 200 cosmetic sun preparations, composed of 48 brands, were analyzed to determine which UV absorbing compounds were present. Most of those found were identified and quantified using TLC and UV spectrometry. The purpose of this survey was to place some priority on the most popular materials used by the cosmetic industry. Comparison with the European list of UV absorbers for 1978 showed only 24 of the 60 compounds listed were identified in the samples. The 6 most frequently used were 2-Ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate (19 brands), 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (11 brands), 2-Ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamate (9 brands), 3(4-Methylbenzylidene)-dl-camphor (7 brands), 3-Benzylidene-dl-camphor (6 brands) and 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone (6 brands). Usage levels varied from 0.4%-6.8%. Products [22] used a combination of 2 sun-screens and 4 products a combination of 3 sun-screens.