Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Also known as: Oxynex ST, Propanedioic acid, 2-[(4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylene]-, 1, 3-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, Propanedioic acid, [(4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylene]-, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) (4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxybenzylidene)malonate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) 2-[(4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]propanedioate
An ester that functions as an antioxidant and photostabilizer | Stabilizes UV filters, especially avobenzone
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate?
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate (DESM) is an ester that functions as an antioxidant and helps protect cosmetics from chemical or physical deterioration induced by light. This means it is a photostabilizer.
In this function, it also stabilizes many UV filters, most notably avobenzone. Research shows diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate can increase critical wavelength in sunscreens (a measure of protection against UVA rays) and boost SPF in sunscreen formulas. At room temperature it is a viscous yellowish liquid or a low-melting solid.
Maximum usage levels for this antioxidant haven’t been established; however, amounts between 0.3–0.5% produce the desired photostabilizing effects in sunscreens.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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The New Sunscreens among Formulation Strategy, Stability Issues, Changing Norms, Safety and Efficacy Evaluations [https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/4/2/15]
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3-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione: Design of a novel photostabilizer with in vivo SPF boosting properties and its use in developing broad-spectrum sunscreen formulations [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12344]
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Drug-excipient compatibility studies in binary mixtures of avobenzone [https://discovery.researcher.life/article/drug-excipient-compatibility-studies-in-binary-mixtures-of-avobenzone/7b63fcfbe2503f7b8aeeb48dbf371943]
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Design of a Photostabilizer Having Built-in Antioxidant Functionality and Its Utility in Obtaining Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Formulations [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1562/2005-07-15-RA-612]
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