All sunscreen filters in one table: Everything you need to know about each

When formulating our own sunscreen over at Good Instincts, I wanted to understand everything that I could about sunscreen filters and how they all work together. What I found was that there isn’t a single source that listed everything I wanted to know about sunscreen filters in one place. It just didn’t exist. So, I made one! The list is below.

If you are actually reading this, I’m guessing you already know, but here is a recap of the UV spectrums / wavelengths:

• UVB: 280nm to 315nm

• UVA2: 315/320nm to 340nm (Wikipedia says 315, everyone else says 320)

• UVA1: 340nm to 400nm

The table below should be helpful for seeing at a glance what each filter does, pros and cons, environmental concerns, and some very specific information about the UV spectrum and peak absorption (which is important for formulating with.)

Also the solubility aspect is helpful for understanding how to formulate as well; it’s not true in all cases, but in general oil-soluble = good for water resistant formulations and water-soluble = good for lightweight formulations.

More explanations below if you’d like to dive deeper into things.

Please scroll right on the table below to see all the info (sorry, had to hack something together for it to work on this site)!

Name	Type	UV Spectrum	Peak Absorption	Solubility	FDA Approved	FDA Max %	Other Regulatory %	Pros	Cons	Environmental Concerns
Zinc Oxide	Physical	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	-	Oil	Yes	25%		- Broadest spectrum range available today- Highly stable- Non-comedogenic when formulated correctly- Larger-sized particles scatter more radiation and absorbs UVA better (at longer wavelengths)	- White cast- Pretty inefficient broad spectrum filter except in high concentrations- Available in various forms/sizes/coatings that affect its efficacy- Dangerous when small particles inhaled	Uncoated nano particles (35nm or smaller) harm marine life — causes oxidative stress (per NOAA); safe sizes are 150nm and bigger, and coated
Titanium Dioxide	Physical	UVA2, UVB	-	Oil and Water	Yes	25%	- 25% in EU	- Stable- Safe (when applied)- No links to coral issues	- White cast- Smaller particles scatter less UV- Lower grade TiO2 + photoexcitation can lead to the generation of free radicals- Dangerous when inhaled	Uncoated nano particles (35nm or smaller) harm marine life — causes oxidative stress (per NOAA); safe sizes are 150nm and bigger, and coated
Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane or Parsol 1789)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2	360nm	Oil	Yes	3%		- One of the most-used UVA filter in the world- Good UVA protection- No estrogenic effect	- Not photostable and degrades in sunlight (36% loss of UV absorption capability in 1 hour) so it requires a stabilizer- Becomes unstable when paired with mineral filters- Usually combined with octocrylene, Tinosorb S or Ensulizole	Hawaii state is proposing a ban of Avobenzone
Ecamsule (Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid or Mexoryl SX)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2	345nm	Water	Yes	10%		- Photostable- Stabilizes avobenzone	- L'Oreal group exclusive sunscreen
Dioxybenzone (Benzophenone-8)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	352nm	Oil	Yes	3%				Harms marine life (per NOAA)
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	288nm & 325nm	Oil	Yes	6%	- 6% in the EU	- Highly stable but needs to be combined with other filters- Mainly used as photostabilizer- Widely-used	- Absorbs readily into the bloodstream- Some estrogenic activity- May cause free radicals- Generally considered not GRASE	Banned by Hawaii state
Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	366nm	Water	Yes	10%		- Mostly used as a photo-protectant to extend shelf life- Color-protectant for products in clear packaging	- Emerging allergen
Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate)	Chemical	UVA2	340nm	Water	Yes	5%	- Banned in Europe and Japan
Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)	Chemical	UVB	283nm	Water	Yes	15%			- Generally considered not GRASE	Harms marine life (per NOAA)
Cinoxate	Chemical	UVB	289nm	Oil	Yes	3%
Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid	Chemical	UVB	310nm	Water	Yes	4%	- 8% in EU	- Suitable for light and oily-skin-compatible formulations- Fairly photostable and can protect photo-unstable filters like Avobenzone, approved worldwide	- Small-sized particles that can penetrate the skin barrier (but water soluble so unclear how far it can go)
Homosalate (Homomenthyl Salicylate)	Chemical	UVB	306nm	Oil	Yes	15%	- 10% in EU now but EU is considering lowering it to 7.34%	- Liquid and used to solubilize powder sunscreen agents like Avobenzone	- Not a strong filter on its own and only gives SPF4.3 at 10% concentration- Not photostable; loses 10% SPF protection in 45 minutes- Has estrogenic activity (full effects unknown)
Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or Octyl Methoxycinnamate)	Chemical	UVB	311nm	Oil	Yes	7.5%		- Clear and quite cosmetically elegant- Can be combined with zinc oxide	- Not very photostable; loses 10% SPF protection within 35 minutes- Needs to be encapsulated or could degrade into an irritant- Should be combined with other filters- Penetrates the skin and is systematically absorbed (health effects unknown)- Some studies show it may generate free radicals	Banned by Hawaii state
Octisalate (Ethyhexyl Salicylate or Octyl Salicylate)	Chemical	UVB	307nm	Oil	Yes	5%		- Used to solubilize other solid UV filters- Relatively good safety profile with max 5% in US and Europe and 10% in Japan	- Not a strong filter on its own and needs to be combined with others
Octocrylene	Chemical	UVB	303nm	Oil	Yes	10%	- 10% in EU	- Quite photostable; loses 10% SPF protection in 95 minutes- Not that useful on its own but mainly used to stabilize other photo-unstable filters like Avobenzone- Improves water resistance of sunscreens	- Some reported contact dermatitis (photo contact allergy) to octocrylene; mainly adults with ketoprofen sensitivity and children with sensitive skin- May cause eye irritation	Harms marine life (per NOAA); proposed ban by Hawaii state
Padimate O (Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA or Octyl Dimethyl PABA or Eusolex 6007)	Chemical	UVB	311nm	Oil	Yes	8%	- 8% in EU - 3% in Japan		- Photo-unstable; loses 10% SPF protection in 20 minutes and 50% in 85 minutes- It is a known allergen- Shows endocrinological effect in animal studies
Trolamine Salicylate	Other	UVB	-		Yes	12%
Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol or Bisoctrizole)	Hybrid	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	305nm & 360nm	Water	No			- Broad spectrum; double peaks at 305nm and 360nm- Photostable- Not absorbed into skin- No reported estrogenic activity- Stabilizes other sunscreen filters	- Fine suspended particles = white cast- New age filter with less data- Not FDA approved
Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine or Bemotrizinol)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	310nm & 345nm	Oil	No			- Efficient broad spectrum; double peaks at 310nm and 345nm- Photostable- Stabilizes other sunscreen filters- Big molecule that is unlikely to penetrate the skin barrier- Usually added in small concentrations to boost UVAPF and SPF	- Oil soluble; absorbs into surface of skin (but may not penetrate)- Not FDA approved
Tinosorb A2B (Tris-Biphenyl Triazine)	Hybrid	UVA2, UVB	310nm	Water	No			- Very efficient within its covered spectrum- Photostable- Nano-sized- Absorbs and scatters rays	- Does not cover UVA1 but has boosting effects for filters in that range- Fine particles = white cast- Not FDA approved
Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or DHHB)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2	354nm	Oil	No		- 10% worldwide	- Photostable- High UVA protection- Can be used in higher concentrations than Avobenzone	- Not FDA approved
Uvinul T 150 (Ethyhexyl Triazone or Octyltriazone)	Chemical	UVB	314nm	Oil	No		- 5% worldwide	- Most photostable UVB filter- Odorless and colorless good for fragrance-free formulas- Oil soluble and good in water-resistant formulas	- Not FDA approved
Uvasorb HEB (Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone or Iscotrizinol)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	310nm	Oil	No		- 10% in Europe - 5% in Japan	- Very oil soluble- Requires little concentrations for high SPF- Very photostable (loses only 10% SPF protection in 25 hours)- Large molecule that is unlikely to penetrate the skin barrier- Good for water-resistant formulations	- Not FDA approved
Parsol SLX (Polysilicone-15)	Chemical	UVB	312nm	Oil	No		- 10% in EU and most other places	- Colorless to pale yellow and non-shiny, so ideal for sensorial effect- Stabilizes Avobenzone well, works well with Ensulizole for high SPF- Big molecule that is unlikely to penetrate skin barrier	- Not FDA approved
Neo Heliopan AP (Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate or Bisdisulizole Disodium)	Chemical	UVA2	335nm	Water	No		- 10% in EU and most other places	- Less greasy sensorial feel- Good safety profile with low skin penetration	- Does not offer water resistance on its own- Not FDA approved
Neo Heliopan E1000 (Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate or Amiloxate)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	310nm	Oil	No		- 10% in EU		- New filter, is a cinnamate and has been known to trigger allergic responses in those who have similar issues with Octinoxate- Not FDA approved
Mexoryl XL (Drometrizole Trisiloxane)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	303nm and 344nm	Oil	No			- Good for water-resistant formulas- Broad spectrum; double peak at 303nm and 344nm- Photostable	- L'Oreal group exclusive
Enzacamene (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor)	Chemical	UVB	301nm	Oil	No		- Not approved for use in Japan	- Can stabilize Avobenzone- Oil-soluble powder- Approved up to 5% in EU and Australia	- Slightly photo-unstable; loses 10% SPF protection in 65 minutes and 50% in 345 minutes- Absorbs into the body and has reported estrogenic effects	Harms marine life (per NOAA)

Introduction to Sunscreen Filter Classification

Sunscreen filters, also known as UV filters or active ingredients, are compounds that protect skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the key characteristics of each filter is essential for consumers making informed choices, formulators developing products, and researchers studying sun protection. This guide explains the critical categories used to classify and evaluate sunscreen filters.

Name and Chemical Nomenclature

Each sunscreen filter has multiple names, which can cause confusion:

Common/Trade Name: The branded or widely recognized name (e.g., Mexoryl SX, Tinosorb M)

INCI Name: International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients - the standardized name used on product labels

Chemical Name: The scientific chemical structure name (e.g., Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid)

Alternative Names: Regional variations or older terminology (e.g., Octinoxate vs. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)

Understanding these naming conventions is crucial because the same ingredient may appear under different names in various regions or product formulations.

Physical vs. Chemical Filters: Mechanism of Action

Sunscreen filters are classified into two categories based on how they protect skin from UV radiation:

Physical (Mineral/Inorganic) Filters

The two main FDA-approved physical filters (so-called inorganic filters, based on their ionic bonds with no carbon-hydrogen bonds) are:

• Zinc Oxide

• Titanium Dioxide

There is an oft-repeated saying that inorganic minerals sit on the skin's surface and create a physical barrier. Some research shows that maybe 15% of it does sit around to scatter light, the other 85% are also absorbed.

Generally these can be rather photostable, and if formulated correctly might be less likely to cause skin irritation. Zinc formulated in conjunction with some chemical filters might not be super stable.

For this reason, please don’t mix your sunscreens together, or dilute it down with other products. It might affect the stability and efficacy of the sunscreen formulation. Use them separately; apply one layer, wait for it to dry (do something else first then come back), and then apply the next layer.

Nanoparticles: Modern formulations use micronized or nano-particles to reduce the white cast traditionally associated with mineral sunscreens. Fear-mongering for marketing sake has demonized nanoparticles, but there is no known issue with the use of sunscreens with nanoparticles (see Australian TGA’s view here). Also, there is no official definition of nanoparticles in sunscreen by the FDA, but it’s mostly categorized as particles smaller than 100nm or smaller elsewhere.

Chemical (Organic) Filters

Chemical filters absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat energy, which is then released from the skin (and no, it doesn’t cause you to overheat). These carbon-based compounds (which is why they are called organic, due to their carbon-hydrogen covalent bonds) penetrate slightly into the skin's outer layers to provide protection. Chemical filters generally include all other approved UV filters beyond zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical filters can be formulated to be more cosmetically elegant (less white cast, lighter texture), but some may cause skin sensitivity in certain individuals and can degrade when exposed to UV light, requiring stabilization in formulations. Again, quality of formulation is extremely key to your end experience.

UV Spectrum Coverage

UV radiation is divided into three categories, two of which reach Earth's surface:

UVB (290-320 nm): Causes sunburn, directly damages DNA, and is the primary cause of skin cancer. This is the "burning" ray.

UVA (320-400 nm): Divided into UVA2 (320-340 nm) and UVA1 (340-400 nm). UVA penetrates deeper into skin, causes aging (photoaging), contributes to skin cancer, and can penetrate glass. (Some call this the “aging ray” as a shorthand, which is not entirely true since UVB also ages you, but I guess it’s good enough as a mnemonic tool.)

Sunscreen filters provide different coverage:

UVB-only filters: Protect against sunburn but not aging (e.g., Octisalate, Homosalate)

UVA-only filters: Rare, but primarily protect against aging (e.g., Avobenzone)

Broad-spectrum filters: Protect against both UVA and UVB (e.g., Zinc Oxide, Tinosorb M, Mexoryl XL)

Modern sunscreen standards require "broad-spectrum" protection, meaning adequate coverage of both UVA and UVB. This typically requires combining multiple filters to achieve comprehensive protection across the entire UV spectrum.

Peak Absorption Wavelength

The peak absorption wavelength (measured in nanometers, nm) indicates where a sunscreen filter provides maximum protection. This is the specific wavelength of UV light that the filter absorbs most effectively.

For example:

• A filter with peak absorption at 308 nm primarily protects against UVB

• A filter with peak absorption at 360 nm primarily protects against UVA2

• A filter with peak absorption at 380 nm protects against UVA1

Understanding peak absorption is crucial for formulators because:

1. Coverage gaps: If a formula only contains filters with similar peak absorptions, there may be "gaps" in protection at other wavelengths

2. Synergistic combinations: Combining filters with different peak absorptions provides better broad-spectrum protection

3. Photostability: Some filters with overlapping peak absorptions can destabilize each other (e.g., Avobenzone and Octinoxate)

Solubility: Oil vs. Water

Solubility determines how a filter can be formulated and affects the final product's texture, water resistance, and stability.

Oil-Soluble Filters

Characteristics: Dissolve in oils, lipids, and emollients

Formulation benefits:

• Create water-resistant formulations

• Better adherence to skin

• Longer-lasting protection during swimming or sweating

• Often more photostable

Examples: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octocrylene, most chemical filters

Typical products: Water-resistant sport sunscreens, outdoor activity formulations

Water-Soluble Filters

Characteristics: Dissolve in water or aqueous solutions

Formulation benefits:

• Lightweight, non-greasy textures

• Better for daily-wear, cosmetically elegant formulations

• Easier to incorporate into gel or serum formulations

• Less likely to clog pores

Examples: Ensulizole, Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), Sulisobenzone, Neo Heliopan AP

Typical products: Daily facial sunscreens, lightweight lotions, under-makeup formulations

Many modern filters are designed to have specific solubility profiles to enable various product formats. Some filters like Tinosorb M are amphiphilic (both water and oil-compatible), offering formulation flexibility.

FDA Approval and Maximum Use Concentrations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. For each approved filter, the FDA specifies:

Approval Status: Whether the filter is approved for use in the United States

Maximum Concentration: The highest percentage allowed in a finished product

For example:

• Zinc Oxide: Approved up to 25%

• Avobenzone: Approved up to 3%

• Octinoxate: Approved up to 7.5%

The FDA's monograph system means that:

1. Only filters on the approved list can be sold in the U.S.

2. Concentrations above the maximum require additional testing

3. Many effective filters used globally (e.g., Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL, Uvinul A Plus) are NOT FDA-approved, making them unavailable in U.S. sunscreens

Currently, only 16 filters are FDA-approved for use in American sunscreens, which is considerably fewer than in other regions. They’re working on it, it’ll just take time.

Other Regulatory Approvals

Different regions have different sunscreen regulations:

European Union (EU)

Regulated as cosmetics under stricter guidelines. The EU has approved approximately 30+ UV filters with specific maximum concentrations. European regulations are generally considered more progressive, approving newer, more effective filters faster than the FDA.

Examples of EU-approved maximums:

• Tinosorb M: up to 10%

• Tinosorb S: up to 10%

• Uvinul A Plus: up to 10%

• Mexoryl XL: up to 15%

Other Regions

Japan: Has its own approval system with some unique filters

Australia: Follows the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) standards

Canada: Health Canada regulates sunscreens with its own approved list

South Korea: MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) approval required

ASEAN countries: Following harmonized cosmetic regulations

Many filters widely available in Europe, Asia, and Australia remain unapproved in the United States due to the FDA's lengthy approval process. This has created what some dermatologists call the "sunscreen gap," where American consumers lack access to newer, potentially superior UV filters.

In what way are they superior? Generally, it’s just because they were developed later and thus have access to modern tech. Some other advantages could be things like larger molecular weight for certain formulation needs, and so forth.

Pros: Advantages of Specific Filters

Each sunscreen filter has specific advantages:

Protection breadth: How well it covers UVA, UVB, or both

Photostability: Resistance to degradation when exposed to sunlight

Cosmetic elegance: How it feels on skin (lightweight, non-greasy, no white cast)

Water resistance: Ability to maintain protection during water exposure or sweating

Skin tolerance: Low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin

Synergy: Works well with other filters to enhance overall protection

Versatility: Can be formulated into various product types

Long wavelength UVA protection: Critical for preventing deep skin damage and aging

For example:

• Zinc Oxide: Broad-spectrum coverage, photostable, safe for sensitive skin, reef-safe options

• Avobenzone: Excellent UVA protection when stabilized

• Tinosorb M: Broad-spectrum, photostable, both water and oil-dispersible

• Octocrylene: Photostabilizes other filters, water-resistant

Cons: Limitations and Drawbacks

Understanding limitations helps in choosing appropriate sunscreens:

White cast: Visible residue on skin, especially on darker skin tones (common with physical filters)

Photodegradation: Breaks down in sunlight, reducing protection over time (e.g., Avobenzone without stabilizers, Octinoxate)

Skin irritation: May cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in some individuals

Incompatibility: Can destabilize other filters in the same formula

Hormone disruption concerns: Some filters have raised endocrine disruption concerns in studies (e.g., Oxybenzone, Octinoxate); of note for people trying to conceive or breastfeeding

Limited spectrum: Only protects against UVB or limited UVA range

Texture issues: May feel greasy, heavy, or difficult to spread

Eye stinging: Some formulations can irritate eyes when sweating (e.g. OctoCRYlene)

Low concentration effectiveness: Requires high concentrations to be effective, limiting formulation options

For example:

• Oxybenzone: Concerns about hormone disruption, coral reef toxicity, high rates of skin allergies

• Avobenzone: Unstable without stabilizers, can stain fabrics yellow

• PABA: High rates of allergic reactions, largely discontinued

Environmental Concerns

Environmental impact of sunscreen filters has become a major consideration:

Coral Reef Toxicity

Certain filters have been shown to harm coral reefs by:

• Causing coral bleaching

• Damaging coral DNA

• Disrupting coral reproduction

• Accumulating in marine ecosystems

Filters of concern: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are banned in Hawaii, Palau, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Key West, and other locations due to coral reef damage.

Some touted reef-safe alternatives: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (non-nano forms preferred), newer organic filters like Tinosorb and Uvinul varieties

Does this mean that you should not use sunscreens around corals? No. In the grand scheme of things, sunscreens are way down the list of things impacting coral health — climate change is the primary culprit for coral degradation. So, perhaps you’re better off examining other ways of conservation in order to combat climate change.

Responsible Use Recommendations

1. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before water exposure

2. Choose mineral sunscreens for specific regions if they require it (e.g. Hawaii)

3. Use protective clothing (e.g. UPF clothing, long sleeves), and seek shade

4. REAPPLY!!!!! Every 40-80 minutes, at least, if you’re actively sweating or swimming (this is the most important thing to do for continuous protection) — and check if your sunscreen is water resistant or not

Conclusion: Using This Information

Understanding these categories enables informed decision-making:

For consumers: Choose sunscreens based on your needs (activity level, skin type, life cycle, environmental concerns)

For formulators: Select filter combinations that provide broad-spectrum protection while meeting stability, cosmetic, and regulatory requirements

For researchers: Identify gaps in current UV filter technology and areas for innovation

The ideal sunscreen filter would provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, be photostable, cosmetically elegant, safe for all skin types, environmentally benign, and approved worldwide. While no single filter meets all criteria, strategic combinations of multiple filters can achieve comprehensive sun protection with acceptable trade-offs.

As regulations evolve and new filters are developed, staying informed about these key categories helps navigate the complex landscape of sun protection options.

I’m going to repeat myself: Reapply your sunscreen! Most of us don’t put on enough sunscreen to get the UV protection stated on the label. So the best thing to do is find a cadence that works for you in terms of reapplication throughout the day. And don’t forget your neck and hands, those are delicate.

That’s it for sunscreen filters! If you’d like to correct me (please do) or add to the list, please reach out to me via my contact form.