Meradimate
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Ultraviolet filter
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreens, deodorants, cosmetic products
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MERADIMATE?
Meradimate provides ultraviolet-A2 (UV-A2) light protection. It absorbs ultraviolet energy, resulting in photoexcitation. However, its relaxation to release that energy may be inefficient, leading to poor action as a sun protecting agent.
WHAT IS MERADIMATE?
Meradimate (i.e., menthyl anthranilate) is an organic sunscreen approved for over-the-counter use by the FDA.
IS MERADIMATE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Case reports and investigative studies have shown that meradimate is associated with some contact dermatitis and irritation. It is thought to have significant absorption into the skin.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Meradimate was found to be phototoxic when used beyond 0.1% in cosmetic products; through in light exposure it is thought to create singlet oxygen species. Therefore, it is largely avoided in cosmetic products intended for sun-exposed areas. There is no other evidence of absolute contraindications to meradimate; however, it should be avoided in individuals with a reaction to it.
Sources:
Battis N, Ekstein SF, Neeley AB. Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis to Menthyl Anthranilate (Meradimate). Dermatitis. 2023;34(2):153.
Kitasaka S, Yagi M, Kikuchi A. Suppression of menthyl anthranilate (UV-A sunscreen)-sensitized singlet oxygen generation by Trolox and α-tocopherol. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2020;19(7):913-919.
Pantelic MN, Wong N, Kwa M, Lim HW. Ultraviolet filters in the United States and European Union: A review of safety and implications for the future of US sunscreens. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;88(3):632-646.
Rodrigues NDN, Cole-Filipiak NC, Blodgett KN, Abeysekera C, Zwier TS, Stavros VG. Wavepacket insights into the photoprotection mechanism of the UV filter methyl anthranilate. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):5188. Published 2018 Dec 5.
