Suitability and Solubility of Protec™ UV in Perfume Formulations
Asked by: barrybarrygood123
On: January 17, 2026
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
Can Protec™ UV (Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, e.g., Tinogard TL) be used in perfumery? Please clarify the following:
- Is it suitable for fragrance formulations?
- Is it compatible with various scents?
- Is it soluble in ethanol or perfume bases?
Answer
Yes, Protec™ UV (Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol) is highly suitable and widely used in perfumery and fragrance formulations.
Suitability in Perfumery
Protec™ UV is specifically designed to protect light-sensitive ingredients from UV radiation. In perfumery, it serves two primary purposes:
- Color Stability: It prevents the liquid from changing color (yellowing or fading) when exposed to light, which is essential for perfumes packaged in transparent glass bottles.
- Scent Integrity: It helps protect fragrance components that are prone to degradation by UV light, ensuring the scent profile remains stable over time.
Compatibility and Solubility
- Solubility: It is highly soluble in Ethanol (alcohol), which is the primary base for most perfumes. It is also miscible with most fragrance oils and oil-based perfume carriers.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with a wide range of aromatic compounds and does not typically interfere with the scent profile when used at recommended levels.
Usage Recommendations
- Usage Rate: 0.01% – 0.1%. For products in clear glass bottles, 0.1% is generally recommended for maximum protection.
- Mixing Method: It can be mixed directly into the fragrance oil or the ethanol base before combining the formulation.
Complementary Protection
For complete protection of fragrance formulations, it is often used in combination with an antioxidant to prevent oxidation:
- Protec™ OX: An antioxidant that protects the fragrance from oxidation (rancidity or "off" notes).
- ActiveProtec™ UV: A water-soluble alternative if you are formulating a water-based fragrance or body mist.
Using Protec™ UV ensures that your fragrance maintains its intended appearance and olfactory quality throughout its shelf life, especially when displayed under retail lighting or sunlight.