Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor
What Is It?
Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor is an organic compoundA compound that contains carbon and hydrogen and usually other elements such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light.
Why Is It Used?
In Europe, Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor is an approved UV filterUV filters are ingredients that filter certain UV rays that are found in sunlight and, to a lesser degree, artificial light. UV filter is a general term that is used for sunscreen agents, ingredients used to protect the skin from UV rays, and ultraviolet light absorbers, ingredients use to protect products, packaging and hair from UV rays., which means the ingredient can be added to sunscreen products that are designed to protect the skin from the sun. In Europe, sunscreen products are considered cosmetic products. In the United States, sunscreen products are Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs and only certain ingredients have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in these products. In assessing sunscreen active ingredients, the FDA reviews both safety and efficacy. The safety and efficacy of Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor has not yet been reviewed for sunscreen use by the FDA and it cannot be used in sunscreen drug products. For cosmetics in the United States, Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor can be used as a UV light absorber. In this case, the ingredient serves to protect the product from deterioration by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV light.
Scientific Facts
Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor absorbs UV radiation which is an important cause of premature aging of the skin and in the development of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
Safety Information
The European Commission has conducted a safety evaluation of Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor. Based on their review, they concluded that use of this ingredient in cosmetic products as a UV light absorber at a maximum concentration of 6% would not pose a health hazard.
Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor is listed in the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union and may be used as a UV filter in cosmetics and personal care products at a maximum concentration of 6% (see Annex VII).
Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation:
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…
More Scientific Information
Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor is a polymerA naturally occurring or synthetic molecule made up of repeating units called monomers.. In cosmetics and personal care products, Polyacrylamidomethyl Benzylidene Camphor functions as a UV light absorber. UV absorbers, like sunscreen agents, have the ability to convert UV radiation into less damaging infrared radiation (heat).
Resources
Find out more about the regulation of Over-the-Counter drugs by the Food and Drug Administration
OTC Drug Home Page: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSa…
Information about OTC Drug monographs: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/over-counter-otc-drug-monograph-process
Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm
EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/