METHYLENE BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRAMETHYLBUTYLPHENOL

Name / description

2,2'-Methylene-bis-(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol), MBBT; Bisoctrizol

---

Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

LIGHT STABILIZER

Protecting the cosmetic product from deterioration effects of light

UV FILTER

Protects skin or hair from harmful UV radiation

---

Origin

synthetic

---

Occurrence in cosmetics

Above all as UV filter pigment in sunscreens as well as in various skincare products with UV protection, eg day creams

---

Background information on use in cosmetics

METHYLENE BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRAMETHYLBUTYLPHENOL, abbreviation MBBT, is an organic solid (yellowish powder). MBBT is available on the market in the form of a colourless aqueous dispersion. MBBT is practically insoluble in water and soluble to a limited extent in cosmetic oils. The maximum concentration of MBBT is 10 %. MBBT is deposited as a protecting film on the upper skin layer and scatters, reflects and absorbs the UV radiation of the sun. In this way the skin is protected against UV radiation and its health damaging effects (sunburn, DNA damage, skin ageing etc). MBBT is a so-called broadband UV filter with a clear filter effect including in the long chain UV-A range. UV filters minimise the undesired effects of UV radiation on the skin and are, therefore, an important component of sunscreens. By protecting the skin against the dangerous sun radiation, they contribute towards preventing premature light-caused skin ageing and skin cancer. In this connection a distinction is made between soluble organic UV filters and those based on mineral and / or organic pigments. Whereas soluble organic UV filters absorb the UV radiation, transform it into heat and form an invisible protection shield in the upper skin layer, UV filters on the basis of pigments reflect, scatter and absorb the sun radiation already on the skin surface.

---

Information on safe use

In accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation [Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009], which applies to the entire EU market, UV filters are defined as substances which are exclusively or mainly intended to protect the skin against certain UV radiation by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV radiation. Annex VI of the Regulation defines the substances which may be used in cosmetic products as UV filters. In this so-called positive list of the UV filters maximum concentrations are prescribed for the use of these substances in cosmetic products and, if necessary, additional conditions for use are defined. Prior to their approval in Annex VI, UV filters are examined selectively for their toxicological safety and subjected to comprehensive tests. The manufacturers must prove the health safety in extensive scientific studies. Moreover, the approved filters are re-assessed, if necessary on the basis of new scientific findings and in the event of possible conspicuous findings in market observation and the list is updated accordingly.

---

Links to scientific assessments

Opinion of the SCCS (2015, especially on the nano-scale form)

Opinion of the SCCS (2013, especially on the nano-scale form)

Opinion of the SCCNFP (1999)

---

Further information

Concerning nano-scale MBBT, see INCI name METHYLENE BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRAMETHYLBUTYLPHENOL (NANO)

---

Belongs to the following substance groups

---

Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.