Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate
Newest organic UV filter. Approved in the EU in 2022 and used in L'Oreal lines (La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400, Vichy Capital Soleil). Covers the longest-wavelength UVA range (UVA-I up to 400 nm), which most other filters do not reach. Used alongside Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, and other modern filters.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Clinical studies confirm significant reduction of photodamage in the long-wavelength UVA range (380-400 nm). This portion of the spectrum penetrates deep into the dermis and drives photoageing and pigmentation. Mexoryl 400 closes the gap left by prior filters.
- Sunscreens with the New MCE Filter Cover the Whole UV Spectrum: Improved UVA1 Photoprotection In Vitro and in a Randomized Controlled Trial. JID Innov. 2022;2(1):100070.. PMID 35072138
How to read tiers A–F
- AProven efficacy. Two or more independent RCTs with instrumental endpoints
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Mexoryl 400 (Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate, MCE) is a next-generation organic UV filter developed by L'Oréal. Absorbs in the UVA1 ultraviolet range with peak at 385 nm – the longest UVA wavelength responsible for deep photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and free radical induction in the dermis. Where applied. Sunscreens in La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 (2022), Vichy Capital Soleil. Maximum allowed concentration in EU – 3%, approved by EMA for OTC cosmetics. Not yet FDA-approved as OTC sunscreen in the US. Advantages over previous UVA filters. Avobenzone covers UVA with peak at 357 nm – does not reach the critical UVA1 zone. Mexoryl SX (Ecamsule) covers 345 nm. Mexoryl 400 is the only filter covering UVA1 up to 400 nm. Photostable, unlike avobenzone. Safety. Low allergic and irritant potential. No endocrine activity in standard tests. Systemic absorption through intact skin – less than 0.1% of applied dose. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. EMA confirms safety for topical use. No teratogenic effects described. Especially suitable for. Patients with melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging, dermatoses with UVA sensitivity (solar urticaria, dermatomyositis, polymorphic photodermatosis). For melasma, L'Oréal positions UVMune 400 as first-line protection – clinical trials showed pigment stabilization in 80% of patients over 12 weeks of daily use.
Frequently asked questions
Is Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate safe during pregnancy?
Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate for?
Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Newest organic UV filter.
What's the INCI name for Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate?
The INCI name is Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate. It may also appear as: Mexoryl 400, MCE.
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