PRODUCT TECHNOLOGIES

Optical Brighteners

To the average consumer, cleaning means more than just removing dirt. They want their clothes, surfaces, and skin to look bright and new again. But how can companies make their products deliver that bright, clean look? One solution is optical brighteners, called optical brightening agents, fluorescent brighteners, or textile brighteners. At Polyventive, we provide the technologies to enhance your products with optical brighteners. Keep reading to learn how these compounds work and how they can help you meet consumer needs.

Optical brighteners are aptly named because they make things look brighter visually. Also known as fluorescent whitening agents, optical brighteners absorb ultraviolet and violet light and emit light in the blue spectrum. This makes anything they’re applied to, from laundry to skin, appear whiter and brighter.

These brightening agents are common in many products today. They’re especially helpful for brands looking to:

  • Restore a bright, new look to worn or faded items
  • Make surfaces look cleaner and more hygienic
  • Minimize the appearance of stains or discoloration
  • Brighten skin and reduce the look of dark spots or uneven tone

Optical brighteners are an effective solution for consumers demanding bright, clean results.

Chemical Composition & Properties

Optical brighteners are usually made from stilbene or biphenyl derivatives. However, other chemical compounds can produce brightening effects when used in these agents. The key property of optical brighteners is that they are soluble in water. When applied, they quickly work to emit blue light. This cancels out yellowish, dingy undertones on a surface or skin. The result is a brighter, more vibrant appearance. Optical brighteners are effective even in tiny amounts. Many laundry detergents contain less than 0.3% optical brighteners. Yet this small percentage still produces noticeable brightening.

Common Applications of Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners have many uses across industries. Some of the most common applications include:

  • Laundry detergents – Optical brighteners are added to laundry detergents to make clothes appear whiter and brighter. They help restore dingy clothes to a fresher, cleaner look.
  • Paper products – From tissue to paper towels, optical brighteners make paper products look brighter and white, giving the perception of cleanliness and quality.
  • Plastics – Optical brighteners added to plastics like PVC can make them look brighter white or other lighter colors. This is especially desirable for plastic furniture that can yellow over time.
  • Textiles – Clothing, linens, and other textiles often contain optical brighteners, which maintain the bright white color of new fabrics during washing.
  • Cosmetics and skincare – Creams, serums, and other products use small amounts of optical brighteners to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and brighten overall skin tone.

As you can see, optical brighteners have many uses across cleaning, self-care, and other products. Their subtle brightening effects enhance visual appeal in many materials.

There are several reasons optical brighteners are a popular additive for many products:

  • Effective at small concentrations – You only need a tiny amount of optical brighteners to make a visible difference in brightness. A little goes a long way.
  • Enhances consumer perception – Consumers often equate brighter appearance with cleanliness. Optical brighteners can make your product more appealing.
  • Easy to incorporate – Optical brighteners dissolve easily in water and other solvents, making them simple to integrate into all formulas.
  • Color safe – Optical brighteners don’t negatively affect fabric dyes or other colorants in a formula, making them suitable for brightly colored products.
  • Economical option – Optical brighteners provide visual effects economically. A small amount produces results across many uses of a product.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why optical brighteners are prevalent across industries. They check many boxes for brands looking for cost-effective additives.

Environmental & Safety Considerations

While helpful, optical brighteners aren’t entirely innocuous. There are some environmental considerations with these compounds. Optical brighteners can harm aquatic life when they get washed down the drain and enter waterways. Studies show optical brightener accumulation affects the growth and reproduction of organisms like fish and crustaceans. These compounds also aren’t readily biodegradable. They persist in the environment over long periods, increasing their potential ecological impacts over time.

For these reasons, some eco-conscious brands avoid optical brighteners or use alternative whitening agents like sodium percarbonate. If you do use optical brighteners, be sure to disclose this on your product labels. Many consumers want to make informed choices about ingredients with environmental effects.

The Safety of Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners also demand some safety precautions, especially in skincare products. Although generally recognized as safe, they can cause issues for people with sensitivities. Some users report reactions like rashes, stinging, or redness from optical brighteners. This seems most common in those with eczema or very dry, sensitive skin types.

The FDA recommends patch-testing any products with optical brighteners before widespread use. This identifies potential sensitivities or reactions in individual users. Like with any additive, it’s wise to thoroughly test formulas with optical brighteners to ensure they won’t cause undesirable effects when applied to the skin, especially around delicate areas like the face or hands.

Polyventive: Your Optical Brightener Solution

At Polyventive, we offer the technologies to help you reap the benefits of optical brighteners safely and effectively.

Our experts can help you:

  • Select the right optical brighteners to meet your goals
  • Test for efficacy and potential reactions
  • Optimize formulas and concentrations for ideal performance
  • Ensure proper disclosure and labeling

We also provide a wide range of other additives to augment your products:

With decades of experience, we’re your ideal partner for creating next-level personal care and cleaning products.

Get the Products You Need From Polyventive

Want to learn more about formulating with optical brighteners? Contact us at Polyventive today to speak with our technical experts. We’re ready to help you make products that look as good as they work.

Contact Us