Ingredient Encyclopedia

Oxybenzone

Benzophenone-3

An organic filter that absorbs both UVB and some UVA radiation and has historically been used to broaden sunscreen protection. It is one of the more studied and debated chemical filters.

Tinosorb S

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB absorption while remaining highly photostable.

Avobenzone

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Absorbs UVA1 radiation broadly, offering the deepest UVA coverage among common organic filters.

Uvinul A Plus

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

A photostable organic UVA filter that absorbs long-wave ultraviolet-A radiation, helping protect against the deeper, aging effects of sun exposure. It is often paired with UVB filters for broad-spectrum cover.

Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone

A large, oil-soluble UVB filter sold under names including Iscotrizinol and Uvasorb HEB. Its molecular size keeps it on the skin surface, and it is photostable enough to be used as a partner that helps hold less stable filters together.

Mexoryl XL

Drometrizole Trisiloxane

A photostable organic filter that absorbs across both UVA and UVB, valued for helping deliver broad-spectrum protection in stable formulas. It is oil-soluble and complements water-soluble filters.

Octinoxate

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

One of the most common organic (chemical) UVB filters, which absorbs ultraviolet-B radiation to help prevent sunburn. It is oil-soluble and widely used in sunscreens worldwide.

Octisalate

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

A gentle organic UVB filter that absorbs ultraviolet-B and also helps solubilize and stabilize other filters. It is valued for its mildness and water resistance.

Uvinul T 150

Ethylhexyl Triazone

A highly efficient, photostable organic UVB filter that provides strong ultraviolet-B absorption at low concentrations. It is prized for its stability and elegant feel.

Homosalate

A common organic UVB filter that absorbs ultraviolet-B radiation and helps dissolve other sunscreen actives in a formula. It gives lightweight, cosmetically elegant textures.

Iron Oxides

The red, yellow and black mineral pigments that give tinted sunscreens, foundations and BB creams their colour. Because they are opaque across the visible range they also block visible light, which UV filters on their own do not.

Tinosorb M

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

A modern broad-spectrum UV filter that both absorbs and scatters UVA and UVB rays, acting partly like a mineral and partly like an organic filter. It is highly photostable but not approved in all markets.

Octocrylene

An organic UV filter that absorbs UVB and short UVA rays and is often added to stabilize other filters such as avobenzone. It also improves the water resistance of sunscreens.

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

A water-soluble UVB filter, unusual in a category dominated by oil-soluble molecules. Being water-soluble lets it sit in the water phase, which is how some sunscreens achieve a very light, non-greasy feel.

Polysilicone-15

An organic UV filter attached to a silicone backbone, which makes the molecule large and keeps it sitting on the skin surface rather than being absorbed. It absorbs in the UVB range and is approved for sunscreen use in the EU and several other regions, though not in the United States.

Mexoryl SX

Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid

A photostable organic UVA filter developed for strong short-UVA protection, often combined with other filters for broad-spectrum defense. It is a signature filter of certain European sunscreen lines.

Titanium Dioxide

Physically reflects and scatters UVB and short UVA rays as a mineral sunscreen filter.

Zinc Oxide (SPF)

Zinc Oxide

Physically reflects and scatters UVA and UVB rays, protecting skin from sun damage and photoaging.