Seguridad de los fotoprotectores solares: Fotogeneración de oxígeno singlete por los filtros solares benzofenona-3, butilmetoxidibenzoilmetano y octocrileno

Using a state-of-the art singlet oxygen phosphorescence detector, we have measured the ability of the sunscreening agents benzophenone-3, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane and octocrylene to photosensitise the production of this reactive oxygen species in solvents of different polarity and proticity. These sunscreens are able to produce singlet oxygen upon exposure to UVA radiation, with quantum yields ranging from 0.0005 to 0.003. The properties of the sunscreen's microenvironment play a pivotal role in this process.