Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT), an ingredient of Tinosorb M, has been officially entered into Annex VI of the EU Cosmetic Regulation.
MBBT has been widely used since 2000 but additional approval was required for products in nano form from 2009.
Tinosorb M is the first organic UV filter using microfine particles
Tinosorb M is also approved as an active sunscreen ingredient by the TGA at maximum concentrations of 10%. Tinosorb M is not approved as an active ingredient by the FDA.
About Tinosorb M:
- Covers a range from UVB to UVA 1 up to the visible light (280-400 nm). Peak protection is at 303 nm and 358nm
- pH value of 10.5-12.0
- Absorption (1% dil./1cm) of 234-254
- Dry content (1g, 135°C, 60 min.) of 55.5-59.5%.
- Insoluble and usually added to the water phase of a sunscreen as a 50% suspension
- Can partially protect other sunscreen agents from degradation (e.g. octyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane)
Tinosorb M is both an organic and inorganic sun care formula, using organic microfine particle technology to act as a micropigment and organic UV absorber.
It has triple-action qualities, making it a highly efficient sunscreen product:
- UV absorption by a photo-stable organic molecule
- Light scattering by its microfine structure
- Light reflection by its microfine structure.
Its properties means that it is possible to achieve EU recommendations for UVA protection with a lightweight, dry-touch texture.
It has not been shown to have hormone-like effects in cell-cultures ad rarely causes skin irritations.
Image courtesy of Kometyka Profesjonalna.