5 Active Ingredients That Determine The Quality Of A Sun Filter
                     5 Active Ingredients That Determine 
The Quality Of A Sun Filter
David Barton
Writer at smb-now.com creates 
quality content to serve visitors to 
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Choosing the right sun filter is important, especially if you’re planning 
to visit the beach or engage in any activity that would expose you to 
sunlight for long periods. As you likely know, sunscreens play a crucial 
role in protecting us against harmful UV radiation, which can 
potentially result in skin cancer. However, it’s easier said than done, 
since there are too many sun filters in the market and not all of them 
are equally good. When shopping for a sunscreen product, it’s 
necessary to check out the active ingredients. It’s the active ingredients 
that help the sun filters serve most of their purpose, and therefore 
determine their quality.
5 good active filters to look out for
There’s more to a sunscreen ingredient than just its effectiveness at blocking UV 
rays. Remember, you’ll be wearing sunscreen on your skin for extended periods. The 
active filters should be safe for your skin too. Here are 5 active filters that are good 
to have in sunscreen:
Zinc oxide
You’ll often find zinc oxide as a material in physical sunscreens. Allowed up to 
concentrations of 25%, it’s safe to use and doesn’t penetrate the skin. Zinc oxide is 
very effective against sun damage, and even individuals with sensitive skin can use 
sun filters with this active ingredient safely. However, it’s not that good at 
preventing sunburns and can’t match the effectiveness of chemical sunscreen 
ingredients.
Titanium dioxide
Also used in other products like SPF makeup, whitening products, lotions, and 
pressed powders, titanium dioxide is one of the safest ingredients. Children above the 
age of six can use titanium dioxide-based sun filters too. 
However, while this ingredient is effective at blocking a broad spectrum of UV 
rays, it can’t block the long UVA1 rays. When used on dark skin, the formulas 
can sometimes leave a white cast.
 Octinoxate
This is one of the most effective UVB absorbers out there and does a great job of 
preventing sun damage. Sun filters may use Octinoxate together with avobenzone 
to provide enhanced sunburn and aging protection. Octinoxate is a commonly 
used ingredient, which means you’ll find it in a lot of sun filters.
Tinosorb S and M
Tinosorb S and M are good chemical sun filter ingredients too, though the former 
is particularly more popular. It offers protection against UVA and UVB rays of 
both short and long wavelengths, which ensures comprehensive protection against 
sun damage. Besides, it also helps stabilize other ingredients in a sun filter.
Mexoryl SX
Many places like Hawaii, Japan, Palau, etc. enforce bans or restrictions on the 
usage of certain sun filter ingredients for the threat they pose to marine life in 
coral reefs. Mexoryl SX is an effective and coral-safe ingredient, particularly at 
blocking the UVA1 rays responsible for skin aging. It’s approved across several 
 countries with strict quality standards and is safe for children above the age of six 
years.
Conclusion
As long as your sun filter contains one or more of the above ingredients, it’s 
possibly a good one. Try to avoid sunscreens that contain Trolamine salicylate or 
Aminobenzoic acid. Apart from active ingredients, you also need to consider the 
brand’s reputation and refer to online reviews.
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