Performance, Safety and Sustainability – All in Tris-Biphenyl Triazine

Disrupting changes in the suncare field that signal the avoidance of Octocrylene (OCR) and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) in newer sunscreen developments express a real challenge in terms of performance achievement. Ethylhexyl Triazone (EHT) and Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (BEMT) are often used as replacements but the achievement of higher Sun Protection Factors (SPF) requires additional UVB filters. This paper aims to evaluate the benefits of using Tris-Biphenyl Triazine (TBPT) as additional UV filter in comparison to Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (PBSA) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) seeing that TBPT is organic like PBSA and particulate like TiO2. We measured the UV absorbance and photostability as product specific performance criteria, and evaluated the risk of the production of free radicals under UV exposure since this is closely linked to photostability and can impact the irritation potential of sunscreens. Their effect in market relevant UV filter combinations was further assessed in view of their contribution to SPF, UVA-PF, blue light protection, and water resistance. We evaluated the ocular acceptability of a sunscreen containing TBPT and proposed solutions for environmentally friendly sunscreens. In this contribution, we show the broadness of the benefits gained in using TBPT in the future production of sunscreens. As a whole, this work reveals the huge potential of TBPT in modern sunscreens.