Ethylhexyl Triazone

Ethylhexyl triazone is a synthetic sunscreen ingredient known for excellent ability to help protect skin from UVB rays. It is not currently approved as a sunscreen agent in the United States and Canada but is available in other markets in up to 5% concentration.

Ethylhexyl triazone offers peak protection at 314nm within the UVB spectrum. As such, it must be combined with other sunscreen agents to achieve optimal broad spectrum protection. It helps boost the photostability of other UV filters such as avobenzone.

Ethylhexyl triazone’s insolubility in water makes it favorable in water-resistant formulations. On the flip side, it can be difficult to formulate with in water-based formulas; however, chemists have found ways to work around this by developing unique delivery systems, including encapsulation methods.

Of note, researchers point out ethylhexyl triazone’s high molecular weight (823.07 g mol−1) limits its penetration. This is a good thing as you want your sunscreen ingredients to remain in the uppermost layers of skin where they can best provide a first line of defense against damaging UV rays. Limiting penetration of UV filters like this also reduces the risk of experiencing a sensitized reaction.

Ethylhexyl triazone comes as a white to off white powder in its raw material form.