Novel dibenzoylresorcinol compositions capable of absorbing ultraviolet light having the formula ##STR1## where Ar.sub.1 and Ar.sub.2 are independently substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic or polycyclic aryl groups, R is hydrogen, an aryl group, or a linear or branched alkyl chain having less than about 10 carbons, and Ar.sub.3 is an aryl group bearing at least one hydroxyl group. Methods of making the compositions are provided. The novel dibenzoylresorcinol compositions are methylene-bridged dibenzoylresorcinol derivatives having a phenol group on the bridging methylene and are compatible in coating compositions to improve the weatherability of thermoplastic substrates.