Abstract: A composition for application to the skin to protect the skin from the long wavelength ultraviolet ray comprises a dibenzoylmethane derivative of the following general formula ##STR1## in which X represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent metal cation, an organic cation, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or a polyoxyalkylene oxide having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, Y and Z each independently represent a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or a polyoxyalkylene oxide group having from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and m and n are independently an integer of from 0 to 3.The composition is adjustable so as to have an optimum HLB balance and has good compatibility with various cosmetic bases. Further, it does not irritate the skin, is difficult to be percutaneously absorbed and shows continued skin-protecting effects.

Abstract: 4-methoxy-2'-carboxydibenzoylmethane of the following general formula (I) ##STR1## is prepared by reacting p-methoxyacetophenone (III) with phthalic anhydride (II) in accordance with the following reaction equation. ##STR2##The compound (I) and its salts absorb both UV-A and UV-B, and exhibit prominent effects as a ultraviolet absorber for cosmetic formulations such as skin cosmetic formulations and hair cosmetic formulations.