Novel filters
Another emerging option is sunscreen with new filters that cover UVA-1 and visible light. In a randomized, controlled trial of 19 patients, researchers evaluated the addition of methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) absorber, a new UVA-1 filter known as Mexoryl 400, which has a peak absorption of 385 nm, to a sunscreen formulation.
“Currently, peak absorption in the U.S. is with avobenzone, which peaks at about 357 nm,” but MCE “covers a longer spectrum of UVA-1,” Dr. Lim said. The researchers found that the addition of MCE reduced UVA-1-induced dermal and epidermal alterations at cellular, biochemical, and molecular levels; and decreased UVA-1-induced pigmentation.
Another relatively new filter, phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine (also known as TriAsorB) not only protects against UVA but it extends into the blue light portion of visible light, according to a recently published paper. According to a press release from Pierre Fabre, which has developed the filter, studies have shown that TriAsorB is not toxic for three key species of marine biodiversity: a coral species, a phytoplankton species, and a zooplankton.
This filter and MCE are available in Europe but not in the United States.
Dr. Lim reported that he is an investigator for Incyte, L’Oréal, Pfizer, and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.