Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreen ingredients are UV filters designed to reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the skin. The exact filters permitted in sunscreen differ between countries, so ingredient lists can look very different depending on where a product is sold.
Mineral and organic UV filters
Sunscreen filters are often divided into two broad groups:
- Mineral filters: principally zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Organic filters: compounds such as avobenzone, octocrylene, bemotrizinol and others permitted by the relevant regulator.
The old explanation that mineral sunscreen simply “reflects” UV while organic sunscreen simply “absorbs” it is too simplistic. Both types reduce UV reaching living skin, and mineral filters do a substantial amount of their work by absorbing UV as well as scattering some radiation.
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter with broad coverage across UVA and UVB wavelengths. It is commonly used in sunscreens for sensitive skin and in products marketed for children.
Traditional zinc oxide formulations could leave a noticeable white cast, although modern formulations can be much less visible.
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is another mineral filter. It provides strong UVB protection and contributes to UVA protection, although its spectral coverage differs from zinc oxide.
Many mineral sunscreens combine titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to achieve broad-spectrum protection.
Avobenzone
Avobenzone is an organic UVA filter used in many broad-spectrum sunscreens. Formulators often combine it with other UV filters and stabilising ingredients so the final product provides balanced UVA and UVB protection.
Bemotrizinol
Bemotrizinol is a photostable broad-spectrum organic UV filter that has been used in many countries for years.
In June 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added bemotrizinol, at permitted concentrations, to the U.S. over-the-counter sunscreen monograph. It was the first new sunscreen active ingredient added to that U.S. framework in decades.
What about oxybenzone, octinoxate and other filters?
Regulatory status differs internationally. The U.S. FDA has requested additional safety data for several long-used sunscreen active ingredients as part of its ongoing review process.
Importantly, the FDA has stated that a request for more data should not be interpreted as a conclusion that those ingredients are unsafe. Consumers should use products that comply with the sunscreen regulations in the country where they are sold.
What does broad spectrum mean?
A broad-spectrum sunscreen has been tested to provide protection across both UVA and UVB wavelengths under the applicable regulatory system.
That claim is more useful than trying to judge a sunscreen by one ingredient alone because the final formulation, concentrations and combination of UV filters determine how the product performs.
Mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide products are often recommended as options for people whose skin is easily irritated by other sunscreen formulations.
Fragrance, preservatives and other inactive ingredients can also trigger irritation, so someone reacting to one sunscreen may tolerate another product even when the UV filters are similar.
For children and babies, see our guide to sunscreen for children.
Active ingredients are only part of the product
The sunscreen vehicle matters too. Creams, lotions, gels, sticks and sprays use different combinations of oils, water, film-formers, emulsifiers and other ingredients.
A sunscreen that feels comfortable and suits the activity is more likely to be applied generously and reapplied when needed.
Compare formulations in our guide to types of sunscreen.
What should you look for on the label?
- Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
- An SPF appropriate to current guidance in your country.
- Water resistance when swimming or heavy sweating is expected.
- An expiry date and storage instructions.
- A formulation you can apply generously without irritation.
Learn how these ingredients translate into protection on our SPF guide and how to use the product correctly in our sunscreen tips.