ecamsule

Ecamsule is an organic compound and a benzylidene camphor derivative used as a sunscreen agent to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. It is primarily employed in topical formulations to filter out UVA rays (320–400 nm), with some coverage of UVB rays (280–320 nm), providing broad-spectrum photoprotection. Its mechanism involves reversible photoisomerization and photoexcitation upon exposure to UV radiation; the absorbed energy is released as thermal energy without penetrating the skin. This protects against DNA damage such as pyrimidine dimer formation and delays the onset of skin cancer in preclinical models. Ecamsule is highly photostable compared to other UVA filters like avobenzone and does not degrade significantly under sunlight exposure. Developed and patented by L'Oréal, it has been approved for use in Europe since 1991 and by the FDA in 2006 for certain over-the-counter sunscreen products[1][5][7][10].

Brand names

Mexoryl SXAnthelios SXCapital Soleil

Other names

terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidMexorylEcamsule [USAN]ECAMSULE [INN]EcamsulEcamsulum