Octabenzone

Octabenzone (CAS 1843-05-6), also supplied under the names Benzophenone-12 and Benzon OO, is a UV absorber used to protect polymers, coatings, and personal care formulations from photodegradation. It functions by absorbing UV radiation in the 270–380 nm range, preventing color fading, surface chalking, and mechanical deterioration in finished products. In plastics and polymer compounding, it is incorporated into polyolefins.

It is also used in PVC and engineering resins to extend service life in outdoor and high-exposure environments. Coatings and industrial lacquers use it to prevent yellowing and gloss loss in automotive finishes. Wood coatings and protective topcoats benefit from its stabilization properties. Printing inks and packaging films rely on it to maintain color integrity under prolonged light exposure, particularly in flexible packaging applications.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into sunscreen products, hair care preparations, and leave-on cosmetics. These applications require UV stabilization of both the formula and the substrate for maximum efficacy. Octabenzone is supplied as a pale yellow to off-white powder or crystalline solid. Standard commercial grades include technical and cosmetic-grade specifications, with purity levels typically at 99% or higher.

It is available in bulk quantities and smaller packaged units to suit both industrial compounders and specialty formulators. This ensures flexibility for various manufacturing scales and specific formulation needs.