Ultraviolet radiation absorber

Ultraviolet radiation absorbers are a broad class of chemical substances used primarily as additives in polymers, coatings, paints, and cosmetics to protect materials from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. They function by absorbing UV energy and dissipating it as heat or harmless longer-wavelength radiation, thus preventing photo-degradation and extending the life of the material. Major chemical families include benzophenones, benzotriazoles, salicylates, triazines, and substituted acrylonitriles. These compounds differ in absorption spectrum, compatibility, migratory properties, and impact on material appearance. They are not pharmacological targets but are critical in chemistry, materials science, and industry for protecting polymers, paints, and other UV-exposed surfaces.

Other names

UV absorberultraviolet absorberUV radiation protector

Absorbs UV radiation and converts it to heat or less harmful energy; different chemical classes achieve this through intramolecular hydrogen bonding (benzophenones, salicylates), proton transfer, or isomerization (benzotriazoles, triazines, acrylonitriles).