Octabenzone

Octabenzone (CAS 1843-05-6), also marketed as Benzophenone-12 and Benzon OO, is a UV absorber that protects polymers, coatings, and personal care formulations from photodegradation.

Where is Octabenzone used?

• Plastics and polymer compounding: incorporated into polyolefins
• PVC and engineering resins: extends service life in outdoor and high-exposure environments
• Coatings and industrial lacquers: prevents yellowing and gloss loss in automotive finishes
• Wood coatings and protective topcoats: stabilization
• Printing inks and packaging films: maintains color integrity under prolonged light exposure, particularly in flexible packaging
• Personal care: sunscreen products, hair care preparations, and leave-on cosmetics
• It absorbs UV radiation in the 270–380 nm range, preventing color fading, surface chalking, and mechanical deterioration.

Good to know: These applications require UV stabilization of both the formula and the substrate for maximum efficacy.

Commercial specifications

• Purity levels typically at 99% or higher
• Bulk quantities and smaller packaged units