Meradimate is one of the oldest sunscreen ingredients still allowed for use today, first introduced back in the 1950s to help absorb UVA rays, the kind linked to longer term sun damage and premature aging. After it absorbs UV light, it settles back down into a stable form quite quickly, which in theory should help it hold up well in sunlight without breaking down.
Research has also found that while it is absorbing light, it can trigger the formation of a reactive molecule called singlet oxygen, though this effect can be reduced by formulating it alongside antioxidants like vitamin E. Compared to newer UVA filters such as avobenzone or mineral zinc oxide, meradimate simply does not absorb UVA rays as effectively, which is why it is rarely used as a product's main UVA protection anymore.
Meradimate References
The photophysical properties of menthyl anthranilate, a UV A sunscreen, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B, 2000
Suppression of menthyl anthranilate sensitized singlet oxygen generation by Trolox and alpha tocopherol, Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, 2020
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