Sunscreen Filters

Jul 10

I’ve always believed that caring for your skin is more than just a beauty ritual. It’s an act of self-respect. Growing up, sunscreen was the adult stuff. You wore it if your parents made you. But over the years, I’ve learned that not all sunscreens are created equal. The filters inside matter just as much as SPF numbers.

Sunscreen isn’t just about protection. It’s also a balance between effectiveness, safety, and environmental responsibility. Some filters offer strong UVA/UVB defense. Others might sit on your skin in a way that feels heavy. And a few raise concerns when they wash off into rivers and oceans.

I put together the table below to help you see, at a glance, which filters offer what. I’ve trimmed out the long “Pros,” “Cons,” and “Environmental Concerns” from the main table for clarity. Everything is available just beneath it in the expandable sections.

Name	Type	UV Spectrum	Peak Absorption	Solubility	FDA Approved	FDA Max %	Other Regulatory %	Details
Zinc Oxide	Physical	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	-	Oil	Yes	25%		View Details
Titanium Dioxide	Physical	UVA2, UVB	-	Oil and Water	Yes	25%	- 25% in EU	View Details
Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane or Parsol 1789)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2	360nm	Oil	Yes	3%		View Details
Ecamsule (Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid or Mexoryl SX)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2	345nm	Water	Yes	10%		View Details
Dioxybenzone (Benzophenone-8)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	352nm	Oil	Yes	3%		View Details
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	288nm & 325nm	Oil	Yes	6%	- 6% in the EU	View Details
Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	366nm	Water	Yes	10%		View Details
Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate)	Chemical	UVA2	340nm	Water	Yes	5%	- Banned in Europe and Japan	View Details
Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)	Chemical	UVB	283nm	Water	Yes	15%		View Details
Cinoxate	Chemical	UVB	289nm	Oil	Yes	3%		View Details
Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid	Chemical	UVB	310nm	Water	Yes	4%	- 8% in EU	View Details
Homosalate (Homomenthyl Salicylate)	Chemical	UVB	306nm	Oil	Yes	15%	- 10% in EU now but EU is considering lowering it to 7.34%	View Details
Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or Octyl Methoxycinnamate)	Chemical	UVB	311nm	Oil	Yes	7.5%		View Details
Octisalate (Ethyhexyl Salicylate or Octyl Salicylate)	Chemical	UVB	307nm	Oil	Yes	5%		View Details
Octocrylene	Chemical	UVB	303nm	Oil	Yes	10%	- 10% in EU	View Details
Padimate O (Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA or Octyl Dimethyl PABA or Eusolex 6007)	Chemical	UVB	311nm	Oil	Yes	8%	- 8% in EU - 3% in Japan	View Details
Trolamine Salicylate	Other	UVB	-		Yes	12%		View Details
Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol or Bisoctrizole)	Hybrid	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	305nm & 360nm	Water	No			View Details
Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine or Bemotrizinol)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	310nm & 345nm	Oil	No			View Details
Tinosorb A2B (Tris-Biphenyl Triazine)	Hybrid	UVA2, UVB	310nm	Water	No			View Details
Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or DHHB)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2	354nm	Oil	No		- 10% worldwide	View Details
Uvinul T 150 (Ethyhexyl Triazone or Octyltriazone)	Chemical	UVB	314nm	Oil	No		- 5% worldwide	View Details
Uvasorb HEB (Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone or Iscotrizinol)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	310nm	Oil	No		- 10% in Europe - 5% in Japan	View Details
Parsol SLX (Polysilicone-15)	Chemical	UVB	312nm	Oil	No		- 10% in EU and most other places	View Details
Neo Heliopan AP (Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate or Bisdisulizole Disodium)	Chemical	UVA2	335nm	Water	No		- 10% in EU and most other places	View Details
Neo Heliopan E1000 (Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate or Amiloxate)	Chemical	UVA2, UVB	310nm	Oil	No		- 10% in EU	View Details
Mexoryl XL (Drometrizole Trisiloxane)	Chemical	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	303nm and 344nm	Oil	No			View Details
Enzacamene (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor)	Chemical	UVB	301nm	Oil	No		- Not approved for use in Japan	View Details

Zinc Oxide

Pros: - 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)

Cons: - 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

Environmental Concerns: Uncoated nano particles (35nm or smaller) harm marine life — causes oxidative stress (per NOAA); safe sizes are 150nm and bigger, and coated

Titanium Dioxide

Pros: - Stable- Safe (when applied)- No links to coral issues

Cons: - White cast- Smaller particles scatter less UV- Lower grade TiO2 + photoexcitation can lead to the generation of free radicals- Dangerous when inhaled

Environmental Concerns: 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)

Pros: - One of the most-used UVA filter in the world- Good UVA protection- No estrogenic effect

Cons: - 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

Environmental Concerns: Hawaii state is proposing a ban of Avobenzone

Ecamsule (Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid or Mexoryl SX)

Pros: - Photostable- Stabilizes avobenzone

Cons: - L'Oreal group exclusive sunscreen

Environmental Concerns:

Dioxybenzone (Benzophenone-8)

Pros:

Cons:

Environmental Concerns: Harms marine life (per NOAA)

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)

Pros: - Highly stable but needs to be combined with other filters- Mainly used as photostabilizer- Widely-used

Cons: - Absorbs readily into the bloodstream- Some estrogenic activity- May cause free radicals- Generally considered not GRASE

Environmental Concerns: Banned by Hawaii state

Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4)

Pros: - Mostly used as a photo-protectant to extend shelf life- Color-protectant for products in clear packaging

Cons: - Emerging allergen

Environmental Concerns:

Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate)

Pros:

Cons:

Environmental Concerns:

Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

Pros:

Cons: - Generally considered not GRASE

Environmental Concerns: Harms marine life (per NOAA)

Cinoxate

Pros:

Cons:

Environmental Concerns:

Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

Pros: - Suitable for light and oily-skin-compatible formulations- Fairly photostable and can protect photo-unstable filters like Avobenzone, approved worldwide

Cons: - Small-sized particles that can penetrate the skin barrier (but water soluble so unclear how far it can go)

Environmental Concerns:

Homosalate (Homomenthyl Salicylate)

Pros: - Liquid and used to solubilize powder sunscreen agents like Avobenzone

Cons: - 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)

Environmental Concerns:

Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or Octyl Methoxycinnamate)

Pros: - Clear and quite cosmetically elegant- Can be combined with zinc oxide

Cons: - 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

Environmental Concerns: Banned by Hawaii state

Octisalate (Ethyhexyl Salicylate or Octyl Salicylate)

Pros: - Used to solubilize other solid UV filters- Relatively good safety profile with max 5% in US and Europe and 10% in Japan

Cons: - Not a strong filter on its own and needs to be combined with others

Environmental Concerns:

Octocrylene

Pros: - 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

Cons: - Some reported contact dermatitis (photo contact allergy) to octocrylene; mainly adults with ketoprofen sensitivity and children with sensitive skin- May cause eye irritation

Environmental Concerns: Harms marine life (per NOAA); proposed ban by Hawaii state

Padimate O (Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA or Octyl Dimethyl PABA or Eusolex 6007)

Pros:

Cons: - 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

Environmental Concerns:

Trolamine Salicylate

Pros:

Cons:

Environmental Concerns:

Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol or Bisoctrizole)

Pros: - Broad spectrum; double peaks at 305nm and 360nm- Photostable- Not absorbed into skin- No reported estrogenic activity- Stabilizes other sunscreen filters

Cons: - Fine suspended particles = white cast- New age filter with less data- Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine or Bemotrizinol)

Pros: - 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

Cons: - Oil soluble; absorbs into surface of skin (but may not penetrate)- Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Tinosorb A2B (Tris-Biphenyl Triazine)

Pros: - Very efficient within its covered spectrum- Photostable- Nano-sized- Absorbs and scatters rays

Cons: - Does not cover UVA1 but has boosting effects for filters in that range- Fine particles = white cast- Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or DHHB)

Pros: - Photostable- High UVA protection- Can be used in higher concentrations than Avobenzone

Cons: - Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Uvinul T 150 (Ethyhexyl Triazone or Octyltriazone)

Pros: - Most photostable UVB filter- Odorless and colorless good for fragrance-free formulas- Oil soluble and good in water-resistant formulas

Cons: - Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Uvasorb HEB (Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone or Iscotrizinol)

Pros: - 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

Cons: - Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Parsol SLX (Polysilicone-15)

Pros: - 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

Cons: - Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Neo Heliopan AP (Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate or Bisdisulizole Disodium)

Pros: - Less greasy sensorial feel- Good safety profile with low skin penetration

Cons: - Does not offer water resistance on its own- Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Neo Heliopan E1000 (Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate or Amiloxate)

Pros:

Cons: - New filter, is a cinnamate and has been known to trigger allergic responses in those who have similar issues with Octinoxate- Not FDA approved

Environmental Concerns:

Mexoryl XL (Drometrizole Trisiloxane)

Pros: - Good for water-resistant formulas- Broad spectrum; double peak at 303nm and 344nm- Photostable

Cons: - L'Oreal group exclusive

Environmental Concerns:

Enzacamene (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor)

Pros: - Can stabilize Avobenzone- Oil-soluble powder- Approved up to 5% in EU and Australia

Cons: - Slightly photo-unstable; loses 10% SPF protection in 65 minutes and 50% in 345 minutes- Absorbs into the body and has reported estrogenic effects

Environmental Concerns: Harms marine life (per NOAA)

    Name
   
    Type
   
    UV Spectrum
   
    Peak Absorption
   
    Solubility
   
    FDA Approved
   
    FDA Max %
   
    Other Regulatory %
   
ProsConsEnvironmental 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 inhaledUncoated 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 inhaledUncoated 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 EnsulizoleHawaii 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 GRASEBanned 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 GRASEHarms 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 radicalsBanned 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 irritationHarms 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 effectsHarms marine life  (per NOAA)

Carylyne

Sunscreen Filters

Carylyne Chan