Ethylhexyl triazone on your skin: a safety profile

What is ethylhexyl triazone?

The IUPAC name is 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 1,3,5-tris(2-ethylhexyl)-.

Also known as: 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 1,3,5-tris(2-ethylhexyl)-, Uvinul T 150, EHRB, Apothesine HCl.

IUPAC name

1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 1,3,5-tris(2-ethylhexyl)-

CAS number

88122-99-0

Molecular formula

C42H61N3O4

Molecular weight

679.96 g/mol

SMILES

CCN(CC)CCCOC(=O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1.Cl

PubChem CID

6433200

Regulatory consensus

2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Ethylhexyl triazone. The classifications differ — that's the data.

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where you encounter ethylhexyl triazone

• facial_sunscreen
• premium_sunscreen
• tinted_sunscreen
• water_resistant_sunscreen

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Ethylhexyl triazone:

• Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) — no systemic absorption
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Newer-generation organic filters with lower skin penetration (e.g., bisoctrizole)
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
• UPF-rated clothing and physical sun protection
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions