Ensulizole Explained

Ensulizole (INN;[1] also known as phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid) is a common sunscreen agent. In 1999, the United States Food and Drug Administration regulated that the name ensulizole be used on sunscreen labels in the United States. Ensulizole is primarily a UVB protecting agent providing only minimal UVA protection. The scope of UVB is 290 to 340 nanometers whereas the UVA range is 320 to 400 nanometers.[2] For better UVA protection, it must be paired with avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide; outside of the United States it can also be paired with a UV absorber of the Tinosorb or Mexoryl types. Because ensulizole is water-soluble, it has the characteristic of feeling lighter on skin. As such, it is often used in sunscreen lotions or moisturizers whose aesthetic goal is a non-greasy finish.[3] The free acid is poorly soluble in water, so it is only used as its soluble salts.[4]

References

  1. Web site: International non-proprietary name. Medinet. 6 May 2016.
  2. Web site: Archived copy . www.uspdqi.org . 22 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20031214141827/http://www.uspdqi.org/pubs/monographs/sunscreen_agents.pdf . 14 December 2003 . dead.
  3. http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic510.htm eMedicine - Sunscreens and Photoprotection : Article by Stanley B Levy
  4. Web site: Vibrant Science & Technology - EMD Group.

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