What Is It?
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is an organic compound
that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
In Europe, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is an approved UV filter, which means that this 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 Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine has not yet been reviewed for sunscreen use by the FDA and it cannot be used in sunscreen drug products in the United States. For cosmetics and personal care products in the United States, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine can be used as a UV light absorber. In this case, the ingredient serves to protect the product from deterioration by absorbing UV light.
Scientific Facts:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is an oil soluble chemical. It is a broad spectrum UV absorber, absorbing UVB as well as UVA rays. UV radiation is an important cause of sunburn, premature aging of the skin and the development of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
Safety Information:
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) conducted a safety evaluation of Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine. Based on their review, the SCCNFP concluded that use of this ingredient in cosmetic products as a UV light absorber at a maximum concentration of 10% would not pose a health hazard.
More safety Information:
The European Commission’s SCCNFP concluded that 2,4-{[4-(2-Ethyl-Hexyloxy)-2-Hydroxy]-Phenyl}-6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-(1,3,5)-Triazine, or Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, was not irritating and was not a sensitizer. It was not genotoxic and did not cause reproductive effects. The dermal absorption of the ingredient was very low.
Link to the European Commission’s SCCNFP opinion concerning Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine: http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/sccp/documents/out52_en.pdf Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol
Methoxyphenyl Triazine 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 10% (see Annex VII).
Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm
More Scientific Information:
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is a heterocyclic compound. In cosmetics and personal care products, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine functions as an ultraviolet 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 FDA 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/