optical brightener

Optical brightener is used to make paper appear more white.

A white surface treated with an optical brightener can emit more visible light than that which shines on it, making it appear brighter.

The ultraviolet activity of umbelliferone led to its use as a sunscreen agent, and an optical brightener for textiles.

Fluorescein yellow with optical brightener.

Some advanced face and eye powders contain optical brightener microspheres that brighten shadowed or dark areas of the skin, such as "tired eyes".

Such fluorescence from certain textile fibers, especially those bearing optical brightener residues, can also be used for recreational effect, as seen, for example, in the opening credits of the James Bond film A View to a Kill.