Disclosed is the use of benzylidene malonates of formula wherein R-1 is methyl ethyl propyl or n-butyl if Ri is methyl, then R is tert. butyl a radical of formula or a radical of forumula R2 and R3, independently from each other are hydrogen or methyl R4 is methyl ethyl or n-propyl R5 and R6 independently from each other are hydrogen or C1-C3alkyl if R-i is ethyl propyl or n-butyl, then R is isopropyl for the protection of human and animal hair and skin against UV radiation.
