The incidence of skin cancer is increasing rapidly and sunscreens have been recommended in order to reduce damage from sunlight. In this investigation we have studied the change in the absorption spectrum of some photoactive organic species in sunscreens after ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B irradiation in a dose normally encountered during a full day in the sun. Samples of a number of photoactive compounds commonly used in sunscreens were irradiated with ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light. A UVASUN 2000 MUTZHAS sunlamp was used for ultraviolet A irradiation and an Esshå Corona mini, equipped with two Philips TL12 20 W lamps, was used as the ultraviolet B source. The ultraviolet A dose was 100 J per cm2. The ultraviolet B dose corresponded to 20 minimal erythema doses. The absorption spectra of the compounds were recorded before and after irradiation. The absorbance of 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate was reduced significantly, whereas 3-(4-methylbenzyliden)camphor seemed to be rather stable. The benzophenones studied seemed to be relatively stable. In the case of 4-tert. butyl-4'-methoxy-dibenzoylmethane there was a rapid decrease in the ultraviolet A absorption leading to unsatisfactory protection in the ultraviolet A region. 4-Isopropyl-dibenzoylmethane also lost most of its ultraviolet protective capacity after irradiation with ultraviolet A. Ultraviolet B seemed to have a minor effect on all the samples. It is important for the clinician not only to know the initial absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet region for a specific sunscreen substance, but also whether it is altered during irradiation and in what way. This study including gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis indicates that some of the photoactive organic species commonly used today in sunscreens are unstable following ultraviolet irradiation.

Background: Sunscreens are being widely used to reduce exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The fact that some sunscreens are photounstable has been known for many years. Since the UV-absorbing ingredients of sunscreens may be photounstable, especially in the long wavelength region, it is of great interest to determine their degradation during exposure to UV radiation. Our aim was to investigate the photostability of seven commercial sunscreen products after natural UV exposure (UVnat) and artificial UV exposure (UVart).

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