Characteristics
- INCI
- Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
- Ru.
- Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX
- CAS
-
92761-26-7, 90457-82-2
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
410-960-6
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- IUPAC
- 3,3'-(1,4-Phenylenedimethylene)Bis[7,7-Dimethyl-2-Oxo-Bicyclo[2.2.1]Heptane-1-Methanesulfonic Acid]
- Functions
- uv absorber, uv filter
- EU Restr.
-
VI/7
EU regulatory status: restricted use. The ingredient is permitted in EU cosmetics but its use and labelling are regulated.
More detail →
Who it's for
Description
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, better known as Mexoryl SX, is a L’Oréal-group sunscreen filter designed to help protect skin from UVA rays, especially the longer UVA wavelengths that contribute to photoaging. Unlike many oil-soluble UV filters, it is water soluble, which makes it useful in lightweight, often more elegant formulas such as daily sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF. It absorbs UV energy rather than letting it reach the skin, with a peak absorbance around 345 nm.
For skin, this ingredient is mainly about helping defend against sun-related darkening, uneven tone, and the gradual signs of UV exposure. It is especially appealing for people looking for broad UVA support in a comfortable, non-greasy formula, including those with normal, combination, or oily skin. It is not a hair-care active in the usual sense, though it may appear in some UV-protective leave-on products. As with any sunscreen filter, it works best as part of a well-formulated SPF product and should not be relied on alone for full sun protection.
Evidence & Research on Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
-
1
Séite, Sophie, et al. "Mexoryl® SX: a broad absorption UVA filter protects human skin from the effects of repeated suberythemal doses of UVA." Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology 44.1 (1998): 69-76.Find in PubMed
-
2
Matta, Murali K., et al. "Effect of sunscreen application under maximal use conditions on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients: a randomized clinical trial." Jama 321.21 (2019): 2082-2091.Find in PubMed
Products with Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (576 total)
Most often found in La Roche-Posay products (96 items)
