The library

Ingredient library

Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2161 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.

21 ingredients in UV filter

UV filter
Avobenzone

A chemical filter that provides UVA protection.

chemical-filter
UVA protection
Degrades in sunlight unless stabilized
UV filter
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol

An oil-soluble broadband UV absorber (Ashland Escalol HP) with antioxidant character, used in cosmetics to protect formulations from UV-induced photo-oxidation; not listed in EU Annex VI as an approved sunscreen active for skin protection claims.

uv-filteruv-absorberantioxidant
Broadband UV absorber covering both UVA and UVB wavelengthsOil- and alcohol-soluble; high photostabilityProtects light-sensitive cosmetic ingredients (colorants, fragrances, retinoids) from photo-oxidation
Not listed in EU Annex VI as an approved UV filter for sun protection claimsNot FDA-approved as an OTC sunscreen active
UV filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

A modern broad-spectrum chemical UV filter that absorbs across UVA and UVB and helps stabilize other filters.

chemical-filter
Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protectionPhotostableStabilizes other filters
+ Avobenzone+ Octocrylene
UV filter
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

A modern, photostable chemical UV filter providing strong UVA protection in broad-spectrum systems.

chemical-filter
Strong UVA protectionPhotostable
+ Avobenzone+ Octocrylene
UV filter
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone

An oil-soluble synthetic UVB filter (3V Sigma Uvasorb HEB), EU-approved at a maximum concentration of 10%, highly photostable with very low dermal absorption and a strong safety profile.

uv-filteruvb-filter
Primary UVB filter with peak absorption in 280–320 nm rangeHighly photostable — maintains protective efficacy over extended UV exposureOil-soluble; low dermal absorption (< 0.1% in 24 hours)
Not FDA-approved for OTC sunscreen use in the United StatesOil-soluble only — requires oil phase in formulation
UV filter
Drometrizole Trisiloxane

A broad-spectrum silicone-modified benzotriazole UV filter (Meroxyl XL) that absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation; photostable and well-tolerated, used outside the US at up to 15%.

chemical-filter
Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protectionPhotostableLow sensitization risk
Not approved by FDA for use in the US; approved in EU (up to 15%) and other marketsRare case reports of allergic contact dermatitis
UV filter
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

A common chemical UVB filter (octinoxate) permitted up to 10% in EU and 7.5% in US sunscreens, with confirmed endocrine activity at high doses per 2025 SCCS opinion.

chemical-filter
Absorbs UVB radiationProvides UVB protection in broad-spectrum sunscreens
UVB-only filter — does not protect against UVA; requires pairing with UVA filtersSCCS 2025 final opinion: safe up to 10% in cosmetics but confirmed weak estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity; insufficient evidence to rule out genotoxicity
UV filter
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene

A UVA-absorbing photostabilizer (Hallstar SolaStay S1) that prevents degradation of avobenzone and other UV filters via singlet-state quenching; listed in EU CosIng (ref 87035) as a photostabilizer but not as an Annex VI approved UV filter.

photostabilizeruva-filteruv-filter
Highly effective photostabilizer for avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) via singlet-state quenchingAlso photostabilizes octinoxate and retinoids (retinol, retinyl palmitate, cholecalciferol)Absorbs in the UVA region; outperforms octocrylene as an avobenzone stabilizer
Not listed as an approved UV filter in EU Annex VI — classified as a photostabilizer/excipient, not a primary filterNot FDA-approved as an OTC sunscreen active
UV filter
Ethylhexyl Triazone

A modern, highly photostable chemical UV filter offering strong UVB protection in broad-spectrum sunscreens.

chemical-filter
High UVB protectionPhotostableEffective at low concentrations
+ Avobenzone
UV filter
Homosalate

A classic UVB-absorbing chemical sunscreen filter commonly used to dissolve and stabilize other filters.

uv-filter
Absorbs UVB radiationActs as a solvent for other UV filters
EU SCCS flagged potential endocrine-disruption concerns; EU reduced the permitted concentration to 7.34%
+ Avobenzone+ Octocrylene+ Octisalate
UV filter
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate

An oil-soluble UVB filter (Symrise Neo Heliopan E1000) in the cinnamate class, EU-approved at a maximum concentration of 10%, with additional short-wave UVA absorption; not approved in the US or Canada.

uv-filteruvb-filter
Oil-soluble UVB filter with additional short-wave UVA absorptionUVB absorption range 280–320 nmFluid texture; blends easily into oil-phase formulations
Not approved in the US, Canada, or JapanCinnamate class — potential for skin sensitization in sensitive individuals
UV filter
Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate

A synthetic UVA1 organic UV filter (trade name Mexoryl 400 / UVMune 400) developed by L'Oréal that absorbs ultra-long UVA radiation with a peak at 385 nm, approved in the EU at up to 3%.

uv-filteruva-filter
Absorbs ultra-long UVA1 radiation (peak ~385 nm) not covered by most filtersSignificantly extends UVA protection range when combined with other filters
Not approved by FDA for use in US sunscreens as of 2024; approved in EU up to 3%
UV filter
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

A hybrid broadband organic UV filter (BASF Tinosorb M) that absorbs and scatters UVA and UVB radiation, approved in the EU and Asia at a maximum concentration of 10% but not FDA-approved for the US market.

uv-filterbroad-spectrumuva-filteruvb-filter
Broad-spectrum UVA+UVB protection (peak absorption 305 nm UVB, 360 nm UVA)Photostable — does not degrade on UV exposureWater-dispersible microfine particle; works well in aqueous and emulsion systems
Not FDA-approved for use in US OTC sunscreensLarge particle size may leave a slight whitish cast at high concentrations
UV filter
Octisalate
Ethylhexyl Salicylate

A classic UVB-absorbing chemical sunscreen filter that also helps dissolve other filters.

uv-filter
Absorbs UVB radiationHelps stabilize and solubilize other UV filters
+ Avobenzone+ Octocrylene+ Homosalate
UV filter
Octocrylene

A chemical UV filter often used to stabilize avobenzone.

chemical-filter
UVB protectionStabilizes other filters
Possible sensitivity for some
UV filter
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID

A water-soluble UVB UV filter (Ensulizole). Approved by FDA and EU (up to 4%). Converts UV energy to heat. Best used in combination with UVA filters due to its narrow UVB-only spectrum.

UV-filter
UVB filter (290-320 nm)Water-soluble — suitable for lightweight sunscreens
Generates free radicals on UV exposure when used alone — typically combined with UVA filters
+ Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane+ Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
UV filter
Polysilicone-15
POLYSILICONE-15

A polymeric UV filter where benzalmalonate UVB-absorbing chromophores are covalently attached to a polydimethylsiloxane backbone. High molecular weight prevents significant skin penetration. Approved in EU and Japan. Used in Anessa Perfect UV.

UV filterUVB absorber
UVB filter bonded to a silicone backbone — reduced systemic absorptionPhotostable and water-resistant
+ Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine+ Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV filter
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid

A water-soluble, photostable organic UVA filter (Ecamsule/Mexoryl SX) approved in the EU at up to 10% that absorbs UV radiation predominantly in the UVA range.

uva-filterphotostabilizer
Provides broad UVA protection (290–400 nm, peak at 345 nm)Highly photostable; does not degrade on sunlight exposureWater-soluble, suitable for lightweight fluid sunscreen formulations
Approved up to 10% in the EU; not FDA-approved for OTC sunscreens in the US as a standalone filterVery low systemic absorption; minimal safety concerns reported in studies
UV filter
Titanium Dioxide

A mineral UV filter effective against UVB and short UVA.

mineral-filter
UV protectionGentle on sensitive skin
UV filter
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
TRIS-BIPHENYL TRIAZINE

An insoluble organic UV filter with broad-spectrum UVA+UVB protection. Photostable — does not degrade on UV exposure. Used in Japanese and European sunscreens. Related to Tinosorb S. Not yet FDA-approved for US market.

UV-filter
Broad-spectrum UVA+UVB filterPhotostableApproved in EU; not approved by FDA (US)
+ Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine+ Titanium Dioxide
UV filter
Zinc Oxide

A broad-spectrum mineral UV filter that is also soothing.

mineral-filter
Broad-spectrum UV protectionGentle, soothing
+ Niacinamide