What is Drometrizole used in cosmetic

Introduction

Drometrizole called 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, is an odorless benzotriazole compound that appears as an off-white to yellow crystalline powder. It is also known as 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol, 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-p-cresol, benazol P, and tinuvin P. Molecular weight is225.25. Its melting point is 131℃ to 133 ℃, and its boiling point is 225℃. The Log P (octanol/water) of drometrizole is 4.31, and it is soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, chloroform, dioctyl phthalate, ethanol, and ethyl acetate but insoluble in water.

Used in cosmetic

Drometrizole is used in various cosmetics and personal care products and non-cosmetic products. In cosmetics, drometrizole is categorized as a sunscreen ingredient and used as a UV light absorber and stabilizer. It prevents the deterioration of cosmetics and personal care products because it absorbs, reflects, and scatters UV rays. It is also used as a fragrance ingredient in consumer goods by International Fragrance Association-affiliated members.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in 1981, drometrizole was used in the following cosmetics: bath, fragrances, coloring and non coloring hair care, manicuring, shaving, skin care, and suntan preparations. Of the 217 reported drometrizole use cases, 77% were used in nail polishes and enamels, and 11% were used in noncol-oring hair shampoos. According to voluntary industry reports to the US FDA in 2005, there were two uses of drometrizole: in non-colouring shampoos and in other non-colouring hair preparations. In 2006, the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook indicated the uses of drometrizole in nail polishes and enamels. Based on the list of cosmetics ingredients reported by manufacturers to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety(MFDS) in 2015, drometrizole was used in 184 products of the 100,190 products manufactured in Korea. Most of these are nail care products, but they are not used as the main ingredient of sunscreens in Korea.

In non-cosmetic products, drometrizole is used as a UV absorber and stabilizer in plastics, polyesters, celluloses, acrylates, dyes, rubber, synthetic and natural fibres, waxes, detergent solutions, and orthodontic adhesives. Because of its high degree of environmental stability, it is used in the polymerization or compounding of plastics. Due to its stability in the presence of light and heat, it may be used in agricultural applications as a UV absorber to prevent leafburn and apple peel spots. It is formulated as a stabilizer in insecticides. In addition, it has antioxidant and stabilizing effects and is approved as an indirect food additive. It is used as a UV absorber in food packaging.

According to the Global Cosmetic Ingredient Information database, drometrizole is regulated to be used up to 7% in cosmetics other than those washed immediately after use, such as soap or shampoo in Japan. It is not included in restricted ingredient lists in the European Union and USA. According to the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) in 1981, about half of the products were used at concentrations below 0.1%, 4% were used at 0.1-1%, and 43% at unknown concentrations. In a survey carried out by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association(CFTA), drometrizole is used at 0.07% in nail care products (basecoats and undercoats). In Korea, the regulation of drometrizole concentration in cosmetics as an ultraviolet sunscreen agent was revised from 7.0% to 1.0% in 2015.

Reference

[1] Jae Kwon Lee. “Risk Assessment of Drometrizole, a Cosmetic Ingredient used as an Ultraviolet Light Absorber.” Toxicological Research 35 2 (2019): 119–129.

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