What Is Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate?
Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate is an organic colorant created by joining a fluorescent brightening agent known as Brightener 264 with hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. Brightener 264 belongs to a family of optical brighteners that absorb invisible ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible blue light, giving formulas a cleaner, more vibrant look. When chemists attach the brightener to fragments of hyaluronic acid that have been broken down into smaller pieces, they gain a water-friendly molecule that disperses evenly in lotions, gels and creams.
Optical brighteners were first used in laundry detergents during the mid-20th century to make fabrics appear whiter. The cosmetic industry soon noticed that the same trick could boost the radiance of skincare and makeup. Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate was developed as a more skin-compatible version, and it has been appearing in beauty products since the early 2000s.
The ingredient is produced in a multistep process. The brightener is synthesized from aromatic ring structures through controlled reactions, then purified. Separately, natural hyaluronic acid sourced from biotechnology fermentation is chopped into low-molecular-weight fragments through hydrolysis. Finally, the two parts are chemically linked, producing a stable powder or aqueous solution that can be blended into cosmetic bases.
You will most often find Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate in illuminating primers, radiance-boosting serums, brightening sheet masks, color-correcting creams, foundations that promise a photo-ready finish and shampoos or hair conditioners designed to enhance shine.
Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and makeup the ingredient serves one core purpose, yet that single role can make a big visual difference.
As a colorant Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate subtly shifts the way light reflects off the skin or hair, creating an instant optical brightening effect. By converting UV light into a faint blue glow it helps neutralize dull or yellow tones, giving the complexion a fresher appearance. In makeup it can make foundation shades look cleaner while in haircare it can add the look of extra gloss.
Who Can Use Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
This ingredient is generally suitable for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination, oily and mature skin, because it adds no occlusive film and has no recorded effect on oil production or moisture balance. People with very sensitive or highly reactive skin should proceed with extra care simply because any synthetic colorant can occasionally trigger irritation in that group.
The hyaluronic acid portion is obtained through biotechnology fermentation rather than animal tissue, and no animal derivatives are introduced during manufacturing, so products using this compound are compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No published data suggest that Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate poses specific risks to pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically. Nevertheless this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare products with a qualified health professional before use to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there is no evidence of phototoxicity, so it can be worn during the day without raising the risk of sunburn. As with any color additive, pairing it with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is still good practice for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate vary from person to person. The items below outline potential reactions only and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
Skin irritation – mild redness, stinging or itching may occur in individuals with very sensitive skin
Contact dermatitis – rare allergic response presenting as rash or swelling in those allergic to optical brighteners or related dye structures
Eye discomfort – accidental contact with the eyes can cause transient watering or burning
Product discoloration over time – exposure to high heat or very low pH could alter the brightening effect potentially leading to unexpected shade changes in the formula
If any adverse reaction is observed discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate is a water-soluble molecule that does not form an occlusive film or deposit oily residues on skin. Its hyaluronic acid backbone loves water, so it quickly disperses and rinses away without clogging pores. No data or anecdotal reports link it to acne formation, which supports a non-comedogenic score.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is usually added at very low percentages for optical effect, the overall formula will depend far more on other ingredients when it comes to pore clogging potential.
Summary
Fluorescent Brightener 264 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate acts primarily as an optical colorant that absorbs invisible UV light and re-emits a faint blue glow, cancelling out dull yellow tones and giving skin or hair an immediate brighter look. The hyaluronic acid fragment keeps the brightener evenly dispersed in water-based formulas so the effect stays uniform with every application.
While not as famous as vitamin C or niacinamide, this specialty brightener has carved out a niche in illuminating primers, radiance serums and photo-ready foundations where brands want an instant glow without heavy shimmer.
Current research and decades of cosmetic use show it is well tolerated for most skin types with very low risk of irritation or pore blockage. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to perform a small patch test when trying a product that contains it, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.