ensulizole

Ensulizole is a water-soluble small molecule sunscreen agent primarily used as a UVB filter in cosmetic and sunscreen products. It absorbs strongly at UV-B wavelengths (290–340 nm), providing protection against sunburn and DNA damage induced by UVB radiation. Ensulizole offers minimal UVA protection and is often combined with other agents like avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for broader spectrum coverage. Its water solubility allows for lighter-feeling formulations compared to oil-based filters. Mechanistically, ensulizole protects skin by absorbing UVB photons; however, upon photoexcitation it can also generate reactive oxygen species and induce DNA strand breaks via type I and II photosensitization mechanisms following exposure to UVA or UVB light[2][6][7]. Ensulizole is approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA (United States), European Commission (EU), Australia, Canada, and Japan for use in over-the-counter sunscreen products[4][5].

Other names

2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acidphenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acidH-benzimidazole-5-sulfonic acidH-benzimidazole5-sulfonic acidH-benzimidazole 5-sulfonic acid