UV filters, antioxidants, and ingredients that protect skin from external factors. Modern filters and ones to avoid.
129 ingredients in database · 102 with tier A/B evidence · 107 safe in pregnancy
Protective ingredients split into two classes: UV filters and antioxidants. UV filters are either mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or organic (avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, Tinosorb S/M, Mexoryl SX/XL/400, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150). Mineral filters act as a physical shield, reflecting and scattering ultraviolet. Organic filters absorb UV photon energy and convert it to heat.
Modern filters (Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Mexoryl 400, Uvinul A Plus) are photostable, cover the full UVA–UVB spectrum, and photostabilise avobenzone. Approved in the EU and Asia since the 2000s, but not in the US (Mexoryl 400 and Tinosorb S are not FDA-approved). This explains the quality gap between European and American sunscreens: European formulas deliver broader-spectrum protection at the same SPF levels.
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are under scrutiny for endocrine activity and are banned in Hawaii and Palau due to coral-reef harm. PABA and its derivatives (padimate O) are outdated and carry a high allergy risk. Benzophenone-3 is limited to 2.2% in the EU but still common in US formulas.
Antioxidants extend protection from within the formula: the vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid combination neutralises free radicals that UV filters let through. Niacinamide, resveratrol, ergothioneine, and astaxanthin act as a bonus layer on top of SPF for urban skin under oxidative stress.
A daytime routine with evidence-based protection: SPF 30–50 with modern UV filters in the morning + a vitamin C and ferulic acid serum underneath.
Avobenzone
Broad-spectrum chemical UVA filter. Covers the UVA1 range (340–400 nm) where mineral filters are weaker. Photounstable – requires stabilizers (octocrylene, Tinosorb S).
Dimethicone
Silicone polymer that forms a protective film on the skin to lock in moisture. Gives products a silky texture and does not penetrate the dermis.
Titanium Dioxide
Mineral UV filter effective mainly in the UVB and short-wave UVA range. Often combined with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection.
Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate
Newest organic UV filter. Approved in the EU in 2022 and used in L'Oreal lines (La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400, Vichy Capital Soleil). Covers the longest-wavelength UVA range (UVA-I up to 400 nm), which most other filters do not reach. Used alongside Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, and other modern filters.
Zinc Oxide
Broad-spectrum mineral UV filter (UVA + UVB). Acts as a physical screen, reflecting and scattering ultraviolet light. Also has anti-inflammatory and drying properties.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Oil-soluble vitamin C derivative. More stable than L-ascorbic acid with better penetration through the lipid barrier. Converts to ascorbic acid inside the skin.
Evigrade currently tracks 129 ingredients in the «protection» category. Of those, 102 carry evidence tier A or B.
107 ingredients in this category are flagged as safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. 2 should be avoided. Always confirm the choice with an OB-GYN.
119 ingredients in this category show both low irritation potential and low allergen risk, making them safe even for reactive and sensitised skin. A patch test is still advisable before first use.
Start with a single high-evidence ingredient (tier A or B) at a low concentration, 2–3 times per week. After 2–3 weeks without reaction, frequency can be increased. Do not introduce two new actives at once – if skin reacts, you won't know which one caused it.
Other categories
Broad-spectrum chemical UVA filter. Covers the UVA1 range (340–400 nm) where mineral filters are weaker. Photounstable – requires stabilizers (octocrylene, Tinosorb S)
Silicone polymer that forms a protective film on the skin to lock in moisture. Gives products a silky texture and does not penetrate the dermis
Mineral UV filter effective mainly in the UVB and short-wave UVA range. Often combined with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection
Newest organic UV filter. Approved in the EU in 2022 and used in L'Oreal lines (La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400, Vichy Capital Soleil). Covers the longest-wavelength UVA range (UVA-I up to 400 nm), which most other filters do not reach. Used alongside Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, and other modern filters
Broad-spectrum mineral UV filter (UVA + UVB). Acts as a physical screen, reflecting and scattering ultraviolet light. Also has anti-inflammatory and drying properties
Oil-soluble vitamin C derivative. More stable than L-ascorbic acid with better penetration through the lipid barrier. Converts to ascorbic acid inside the skin
Red carotenoid from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. A strong antioxidant, but topical formulas run into its low penetration ability
A synthetic antioxidant based on a ginger compound. It quenches free radicals and supports skin defense against environmental stress. Well tolerated
A UV stabilizer for the formula. It protects actives and pigments from fading in light. Well tolerated
Carotenoid precursor of vitamin A. Antioxidant action; gives the formula an orange-yellow tint. Pregnancy-safe at cosmetic concentrations
A stable vitamin C derivative. It supports antioxidant defense and even tone, gentler than pure ascorbic acid. Well tolerated
A salicylate sun filter and solvent for other filters. It boosts SPF and improves formula texture. Well tolerated
A green tea leaf water with polyphenols. It soothes and supports the skin's antioxidant defense. Well tolerated
A gallic acid derivative. An antioxidant that supports skin defense against external stress. Well tolerated
Modern UVA filter approved in the EU in 2024 (Regulation 1223/2009 Annex VI). Covers long-wave UVA up to 400 nm – a range previously addressed only by Mexoryl XL. Water-soluble, photostable, stays in the stratum corneum. Used in day creams and sunscreens with claims of protection against pigmentation and photoageing
Chemical UVB filter. Often combined with avobenzone to broaden protection. Limited to 10% in the EU due to potential endocrine activity
A water-soluble UVA filter. It is not absorbed into skin, gives good long-wave UVA protection and stays photostable. Approved in the EU, not registered in the US. A good fit for light textures and facial sun care
A UVA filter. It absorbs long-wave radiation and protects skin from photoaging. Well tolerated
An oily stabilizer. It absorbs some UV and keeps UV filters stable in the formula; it does not affect skin
A sun filter stabilizer with antioxidant action. It holds UV filters in light and protects the formula from oxidation. Well tolerated
Synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10 – a potent antioxidant with high penetration. Protects against UV stress. Pregnancy-safe
Synthetic analog of ubiquinone (CoQ10) with higher stability. Works as an antioxidant and mitochondrial protector and has been studied in dermatology since the 2000s
A liquid UVB filter, kin to octinoxate but more photostable. Approved in the EU, not registered in the US. It occasionally triggers contact allergy; otherwise well tolerated
Highly stable UVB filter by Merck (Uvasorb HEB). Maintains protection under sunlight and pairs well with broad-spectrum UVA filters
Alkaloid from coffee beans and tea leaves. Stimulates microcirculation, constricts vessels and delivers antioxidant protection
Group of oxygenated carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin) – antioxidants with confirmed protection against blue light. Pregnancy-safe
A bacterial lysate. The maker links it to support of skin repair after UV; independent data are limited. Well tolerated
Patented water-soluble UVA filter by L'Oreal (Ecamsule). Blocks the short UVA range that many classic filters leave uncovered
Patented lipophilic broad-spectrum filter by L'Oreal. Covers both UVB and UVA ranges and stays stable under sunlight
A natural pigment. It absorbs part of UV light and supports the skin's antioxidant defense. Well tolerated
A citrus flavonoid. An antioxidant that supports skin defense and even tone. Well tolerated
Water-soluble stable vitamin C derivative. Skin phosphatase releases active ascorbic acid. Active at pH 7 – does not require acidic pH
A water-soluble UV stabilizer for the formula. It protects actives and pigments from fading in light. Well tolerated
A plant antioxidant from the creosote bush. It quenches free radicals and supports skin defense. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels
An oxidized form of the antioxidant glutathione. The maker links it to defense against oxidative stress; topical data are limited. Well tolerated
An antioxidant stabilizer for the formula. It protects the oil phase from oxidation. Well tolerated
One of the most widely used chemical UVB filters. Banned in Hawaii and Palau due to coral reef harm. Potential endocrine activity is under discussion
Medium-strength UVB filter that often stabilizes avobenzone and dissolves other filters. A staple of American and European sunscreens
A solid mineral wax from petroleum. It seals in water and gives a dense protective film, common in balms and rich creams. Refined cosmetic paraffin is inert and safe, like petrolatum. Carcinogenicity myths concern unrefined industrial oils, not cosmetic-grade material
A silicone-based UVB filter. Its large molecule is not absorbed by skin, giving a good safety profile and high photostability. It often sits alongside other filters for even protection and a pleasant texture
Polyphenol from grape skin and berries. Antioxidant that activates sirtuins. Topical bioavailability is limited by molecular instability
A stable resveratrol derivative. It works as an antioxidant and helps protect skin from free radicals. Well tolerated
Salt of resveratrol with arginine – improved bioavailability of the antioxidant compared to pure resveratrol. Pregnancy-safe
An antioxidant enzyme. It helps neutralize free radicals and protect skin from oxidative stress. Well tolerated
A plant polyphenol antioxidant. It slightly tightens pores and helps protect skin from free radicals. Well tolerated
A colorless curcumin derivative. An antioxidant that quenches free radicals and supports skin defense. Well tolerated
Hybrid UV filter: works as both an organic absorber and a microparticle with physical reflection. Covers UVB and UVA, remains stable under sunlight
Tinosorb S (BEMT, bemotrizinol) is a modern photostable broad-spectrum organic UV filter by BASF that absorbs both UVB and UVA radiation. Approved up to 10 % in EU and most of Asia, not approved as an over-the-counter sunscreen filter in the US as of 2026. Stabilizes other filters in the formula
A form of vitamin E. An antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress and supports softness. Well tolerated
Fat-soluble antioxidant and primary lipid antioxidant of the stratum corneum. Stabilizes cell membranes and enhances photoprotection when combined with vitamin C
A water-soluble form of vitamin E. It works as an antioxidant and helps protect the formula and skin from oxidation. Well tolerated
Newest UV filter by BASF (Tinosorb A2B), approved in the EU since 2019. Covers the borderline UVA2/UVB range where classic filters fall short
Coenzyme involved in mitochondrial respiration. Its skin levels decline with age. An antioxidant protecting cell membranes from lipid peroxidation
Modern UVA filter by BASF (DHHB). Covers the long UVA range and stabilizes avobenzone, which degrades under sunlight without support
Powerful UVB filter by BASF with the highest protection factor per unit of mass among organic filters. Delivers high SPF at low concentrations
A broad-spectrum organic sunscreen filter. It absorbs UVB and UVA and protects skin from the sun. Well tolerated
Metabolites of a thermophilic bacterium from hot springs. Protect the skin from heat and UV stress and support mitochondria. Pregnancy-safe
Plant-derived hydroxycinnamic acid. Standalone antioxidant that enhances and stabilizes vitamins C and E in cosmetic formulas
A biotech plant cell culture extract. The maker links it to skin firmness and protection; independent data are limited. Well tolerated
A plant polyphenol antioxidant from apple. It helps protect skin from free radicals and even out tone. Well tolerated
Showing first 60 of 129