AbstractThe photoprotective effectiveness of various polymeric and nonpolymeric hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) was determined by exposing samples of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) containing these additives to ultraviolet (UV) light and measuring the resultant oxygen uptake characteristics. Values of the initial quantum yield for oxygen uptake calculated for these formulations indicate that the higher molecular weight HALS compounds are less effective photostabilizers than the nonpolymeric HALS, and this is partly attributable to their decreased mobility in the polymer matrix. It was further found that the addition of an ultraviolet absorber (UVA) to a formulation containing a polymeric HALS compound enhances its photostability, although this phenomenon may be partly due to synergism between the UVA and the antioxidant, the latter having been added as part of the base stabilization. The antagonism which exists between certain sulfur‐containing antioxidants and HALS compounds was also investigated and it was found that the lower molecular weight sulfur‐containing antioxidants exhibit the greatest degree of antagonism. The results confirm that the mobility in the polymer matrix of the stabilizer system can serve as an explanation of its effectiveness. The article provides evidence that the technique of oxygen uptake monitoring is a sensitive and rapid method of assessment of polymer photostability in the presence of stabilizer sy