4 ingredients
UV Filter
Explore all 4 ingredients in the UV Filter category. Learn about their benefits and find products that contain them.
Octocrylene
Octocrylene is an oil-soluble organic chemical UV filter (INCI: Octocrylene) that absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA II radiation, with peak absorption at 304 nm. It works by converting UV energy into heat, preventing it from penetrating the skin. Beyond direct UV protection, it is valued in formulations for its ability to photostabilise other UV filters — particularly avobenzone — and for improving the water resistance of sunscreen products.
Learn more →Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Ethylhexyl salicylate (also known as octisalate) is a synthetic UVB-absorbing sunscreen agent with peak absorbance at 306 nm. It is an oil-soluble ester of salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol that protects skin from UVB radiation (280–320 nm) that causes sunburn. It is not a potent filter on its own and is typically combined with other UV filters to boost overall SPF; it also helps solubilise other solid UV filters in formulations.
Learn more →Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, commonly known as avobenzone, is the only globally approved chemical sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UVA protection across the 310–400 nm range (covering both UVA1 and UVA2), with peak absorbance at 360 nm. It is a dibenzoylmethane derivative that works by absorbing UVA radiation and converting it to heat. However, it is photounstable on its own, losing approximately 36% of its UV-absorption capacity after one hour of sun exposure, so it is typically stabilised with complementary filters such as octocrylene, Tinosorb S, or ensulizole.
Learn more →Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, commonly known as ensulizole, is a water-soluble UVB-absorbing sunscreen agent with peak absorbance at 306 nm (280–320 nm range). Unlike most chemical UV filters which are oil-soluble, its unique water solubility makes it ideal for creating lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen formulations that are well-suited to oily skin. It is also photostable and can help stabilise less stable UV filters like avobenzone in combined formulations.
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