Common Name(s): Disodium bisethylphenyl triaminotriazine stilbenedisulfonate,optical brightener fwa,stilbene disulfonate oba

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Makes skin or fabric appear brighter and whiter by converting uv light into visible blue-white fluorescence.

Why It's Used: Used in cosmetics and cleansing products to enhance visual brightness perception; masks yellowness and improves whiteness appearance.

How It Works: Absorbs uv radiation (360–380 nm) and re-emits as visible blue-white light (430–450 nm); the stilbene chromophore provides the fluorescent bridge; triazine anchors phenyl-ethyl groups.

Typically Found In: Laundry products,brightening cleansers,bb creams,whitening skin care,color cosmetics

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – masking

Secondary Functions: Uv absorbing,optical effect,whitening

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–0.5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic; fluorescent whitening agent (fwa); water-soluble sodium salt.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate; mild uv-sensitization potential

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Some potential for photosensitization in hypersensitive individuals; use with appropriate photoprotection.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional – patch test recommended

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Moderate safety profile. ewg score: 2–4.

Works Well With: Humectants,uv filters,whitening actives

Avoid Combining With: Strong oxidizing agents (bleach); may degrade fluorescent effect

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Stilbene-based obas (optical brightening agents) are classified as fluorescent whitening agents (fwas); disodium bisethylphenyl triaminotriazine stilbenedisulfonate belongs to the diaminostilbene fwa class, widely used in textile and cosmetic applications for visual whitening without actual pigmentation.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,eu cosmetics regulation annexes,inci dictionary