Ciba protection from light

Swiss company Ciba Specialty Chemicals has designed a new technology to protect cosmetic products from the damaging effects of light. The new technology will increase the shelf life of cosmetic and household products, claims the SF7 billion company.

Excited State Quencher Technology, ESQ, 'outperforms existing stabilisers, which simply absorb UV-light. ESQ works by quenching the excited state of molecules when exposed to light,' said Ciba​ in a recent statement.

According to the company, the ESQ stabilisation effect applies not just to degradation caused by UV-radiation, but also shuts down degradation pathways, for example those caused by exposure to higher temperatures.

'In comparative studies ESQ was shown to be more effective than current technology as a stand-alone stabiliser and illustrated great boosting effects when combined with UV absorbers,'​ added the company that claims manufacturers gain cost-efficiency advantages as well as long-term stability benefits.

"Consumer preferences have led to a trend of sophisticated, colourful product formulations containing new fragrances and other active ingredients which are displayed in transparent and translucent packaging.​

These new style products and packaging are more susceptible to light-induced degradation. But our customers still need to maintain the appearance and fragrance of their products. This new class of technology ESQ™ was specifically developed to address the growing market need,"​ said Tim Schlange at Ciba Specialty Chemicals.

Targeted for use with cosmetic ingredients, the product - both water and alcohol soluble - Ciba TINOGARD Q uses the ESQ technology.