- Source: Methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate
Methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (INCI) is an organic compound used in sunscreens to absorb UVA radiation. It is marketed as Mexoryl 400 by L'Oréal. MCE has an absorption maximum of 385 nm, which is in the long-wave UVA range (UVA1, 360−400 nm). Like Mexoryl SX (Ecamsule) and Mexoryl XL (Drometrizole trisiloxane), it is used exclusively in products manufactured by L'Oréal. MCE was developed by L'Oréal and BASF.
Properties
MCE is a yellow solid in the form of powder or small chunks. At 25°C, it is soluble in phenoxyethanol, dimethyl capramide, ethoxydiglycol, dimethyl isosorbide, and alcohol (ethanol), which are ingredients used in cosmetics.
It is considered a cyclic merocyanine.
Safety and regulation
In 2019, MCE was approved for use up to a maximum concentration of 3% as a UV filter in cosmetics in the EU. It is not currently recognised or approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics in the US.
