What Is Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate?
Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate is a lab-made molecule created by linking a benzotriazole ring to a methacrylate ester. Chemists value the benzotriazole part because it can soak up high-energy light while the methacrylate portion lets the ingredient mix smoothly with other materials used in creams and lotions. First developed for industrial coatings that needed protection from sun damage, it caught the interest of cosmetic chemists in the late 1990s when brands began looking for gentler ways to shield colors, scents and active ingredients from breaking down in daylight.
Production starts with methacrylic acid, which is reacted with a hydroxyphenethyl alcohol that already carries the benzotriazole group. The process is carried out in closed reactors, filtered then purified so the final powder meets cosmetic grade standards.
Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate is most often blended into leave-on products like daily moisturizers, face sunscreens, anti-aging serums and hair sprays. It can also appear in BB creams, tinted moisturizers and nail coatings where product color needs to stay true over time.
Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single, highly valued purpose in personal care formulas.
As a light stabilizer it helps protect the entire product from UV-induced breakdown. By absorbing and dissipating UV rays before they can hit delicate oils, pigments or vitamins, it keeps colors from fading, textures from thinning and scents from turning off. The result is a longer shelf life and steadier performance on the skin or hair, so consumers enjoy the same look and feel from the first use to the last.
Who Can Use Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate
Because it is an inert light stabilizer used at very low levels, Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate is generally considered suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. It is oil soluble yet non greasy and has no known pore-clogging tendency so acne-prone users usually tolerate it well. Extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin may still experience irritation simply because any synthetic additive can be a trigger in rare cases, but there is no skin type that is automatically ruled out.
The molecule is produced entirely from petrochemical or plant-derived feedstocks without animal inputs, making it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Whether the finished product is truly vegan will depend on the other ingredients and the brand’s animal testing policy.
No studies have linked topical use of this ingredient to problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it is not expected to penetrate deeply or enter the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.
Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate does not induce photosensitivity. It absorbs UV to protect the formula rather than the skin, so it will not make skin more reactive to sunlight but it also should not be relied on as a stand-alone sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Response to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects linked to Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to benzotriazole compounds
- Mild eye irritation if a spray or lotion migrates into the eyes
- Rare breakout of small pimples in users extremely prone to closed comedones
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 (non-comedogenic)
Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate is a small, oil-soluble molecule that sits dissolved in the formula rather than forming a greasy film on skin. It is used at very low percentages, is not occlusive, and lacks the long-chain fatty acids that usually clog pores, so it earns the lowest possible score.
That makes it suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One thing to keep in mind is that it often appears in sunscreens and styling sprays alongside richer emollients or silicones. If congestion occurs it is more likely due to those companions, not this stabilizer itself.
Summary
Benzotriazolylhydroxyphenethyl Methacrylate is a light stabilizer that absorbs UV rays then harmlessly disperses that energy as low-level heat. By intercepting sunlight before it can hit delicate pigments, fragrances and actives it keeps the entire formula looking, smelling and feeling fresh for longer.
It is a behind-the-scenes ingredient rather than a hero on the front label, so it is not especially famous, yet formulators reach for it when they need reliable product stability without adding heaviness.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation, allergy and pore blockage when used as intended. As with any new skincare product it is wise to run a small patch test first to make sure your skin agrees.