Dissolving UV Filters (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane)
Question
When using Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane powder and Ethylhexyl Salicylate liquid in a formulation, can the powder be dissolved directly in the liquid, or is it necessary to pre-dissolve the powder in a solvent like DPG before adding it to the formula?
Answer
Dissolving Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane in Formulations
When incorporating Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (a powder) and Ethylhexyl Salicylate (a liquid) into a cosmetic formulation, you have a couple of options for dissolving the powder:
Dissolving directly in Ethylhexyl Salicylate: Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an oil-soluble liquid and can act as a solvent for Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane. You can try adding the Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane powder directly into the Ethylhexyl Salicylate and stirring or heating gently to facilitate dissolution. The effectiveness depends on the concentration of Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane you need to dissolve.
Pre-dissolving in a suitable solvent: It is a common and often recommended practice to pre-dissolve Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane in a suitable oil-soluble solvent or a blend of solvents before adding it to the main phase of your formulation. While Dipropylene glycol (DPG) can sometimes be used in formulations, oil-based solvents like C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, or even other liquid UV filters like Ethylhexyl Salicylate itself or Octocrylene, are typically more effective solvents for Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane. Pre-dissolving ensures complete solubility and helps maintain the stability and efficacy of the UV filter in the final product.
In summary, you can attempt to dissolve Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane directly in Ethylhexyl Salicylate. However, for better results and stability, especially at higher concentrations, pre-dissolving the powder in a suitable oil-soluble solvent (which could include Ethylhexyl Salicylate or other emollients/solvents like Dipropylene glycol depending on the formulation type) before combining with other ingredients is generally recommended.
Related Products Mentioned