The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Synthetic UV Filters
aka organic UV filters · chemical sunscreen actives · UV absorbers
A class of synthetic organic compounds used in fragrances and cosmetics for UV stability of colour, fragrance, and active ingredients. Distinct from sunscreen UV filters — used in cosmetics primarily as photostabilisers for the formula rather than for SPF provision.
- Protect fragrance molecules from UV-induced degradation
- Photostabilise colour cosmetics
- Maintain product performance over time
- Prevent photo-induced discolouration
- Low use concentrations for stabilisation function
- Fine fragrance formulations
- Coloured cosmetics
- UV-stabilised botanical products
- Leave-on skincare with light-sensitive actives
- Hair products with UV protection claims
Used at low concentrations (0.01–0.1%) as photostabilisers in non-sunscreen cosmetics. Not for SPF claim — non-sunscreen UV stabilisers.
Some overlap with sunscreen UV filter classes — benzophenone derivatives used as photostabilisers may contribute to the endocrine disruption concerns associated with that class. Transparency about specific UV filter identity in cosmetics is limited.
Neutral in clean beauty when used as photostabilisers. The lack of specific disclosure of which UV filters are included as 'perfume' or 'stabiliser' components in cosmetics limits consumer transparency.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Synthetic UV Filters
aka organic UV filters · chemical sunscreen actives · UV absorbers
A class of synthetic organic compounds used in fragrances and cosmetics for UV stability of colour, fragrance, and active ingredients. Distinct from sunscreen UV filters — used in cosmetics primarily as photostabilisers for the formula rather than for SPF provision.
- Protect fragrance molecules from UV-induced degradation
- Photostabilise colour cosmetics
- Maintain product performance over time
- Prevent photo-induced discolouration
- Low use concentrations for stabilisation function
- Fine fragrance formulations
- Coloured cosmetics
- UV-stabilised botanical products
- Leave-on skincare with light-sensitive actives
- Hair products with UV protection claims
Used at low concentrations (0.01–0.1%) as photostabilisers in non-sunscreen cosmetics. Not for SPF claim — non-sunscreen UV stabilisers.
Some overlap with sunscreen UV filter classes — benzophenone derivatives used as photostabilisers may contribute to the endocrine disruption concerns associated with that class. Transparency about specific UV filter identity in cosmetics is limited.
Neutral in clean beauty when used as photostabilisers. The lack of specific disclosure of which UV filters are included as 'perfume' or 'stabiliser' components in cosmetics limits consumer transparency.