UV filters, antioxidants, and ingredients that protect skin from external factors. Modern filters and ones to avoid.
58 ingredients in database · 36 with tier A/B evidence · 37 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 PABA and its derivatives (padimate O) are outdated and carry a high allergy risk.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.
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Water-soluble antioxidant that inhibits tyrosinase and stimulates collagen synthesis. Unstable upon oxidation, requiring careful storage.
Avobenzone
Broad-spectrum chemical UVA filter. Covers the UVA1 range (340–400 nm) where mineral filters are weaker. Photounstable – requires stabilizers (octocrylene, Tinosorb S).
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.
Astaxanthin
Red carotenoid from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. A strong antioxidant, but topical formulas run into its low penetration ability.
Beta-Carotene
Carotenoid precursor of vitamin A. Antioxidant action; gives the formula an orange-yellow tint. Pregnancy-safe at cosmetic concentrations.
Evigrade currently tracks 58 ingredients in the «protection» category. Of those, 36 carry evidence tier A or B.
37 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.
51 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
Water-soluble antioxidant that inhibits tyrosinase and stimulates collagen synthesis. Unstable upon oxidation, requiring careful storage
Broad-spectrum chemical UVA filter. Covers the UVA1 range (340–400 nm) where mineral filters are weaker. Photounstable – requires stabilizers (octocrylene, Tinosorb S)
Film-forming polymer that creates a water-resistant film on the skin. Widely used in sunscreens to improve water resistance and even distribution of UV filters
Modified silicone with amino groups. On skin and hair it anchors more firmly than regular dimethicone and provides a stronger protective effect
Lipid-soluble ester of vitamin C with palmitic acid. More stable than L-ascorbic acid, does not require acidic pH, and fits oil and emulsion formulas. However, hydrolysis in skin is limited and true vitamin C bioactivity is reduced. Often used as an antioxidant to stabilise oils in formulation
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
Synthetic antioxidant preservative. Protects oils and other lipid formula components from rancidity. Used in microdoses in cosmetics
Aromatic alcohol that works as a mild preservative and solvent. Listed among the 26 EU fragrance allergens and requires separate label declaration
Water-soluble UV filter with a medium protection spectrum. Formulators add it to clear gels and sprays, but the sensitization risk is higher than for newer filters
Carotenoid precursor of vitamin A. Antioxidant action; gives the formula an orange-yellow tint. Pregnancy-safe at cosmetic concentrations
Antioxidant preservative booster. Reduces formula oxidation and strengthens the activity of other antimicrobial components
Strong base that acts as a pH adjuster in cosmetics. Added in microdoses to bring the formula acidity to the required level
Chemical UVB filter. Often combined with avobenzone to broaden protection. Limited to 10% in the EU due to potential endocrine activity
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
Silicone polymer with hydroxyl groups at chain ends. Forms a breathable film and holds moisture in the stratum corneum
Metal ion chelator that stabilizes cosmetic formulas. Binds traces of iron and copper that enter the product through water or raw materials and accelerate oxidation
Mineral UV filter effective mainly in the UVB and short-wave UVA range. Often combined with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection
Synthetic analog of ubiquinone (CoQ10) with higher stability. Works as an antioxidant and mitochondrial protector and has been studied in dermatology since the 2000s
Synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10 – a potent antioxidant with high penetration. Protects against UV stress. Pregnancy-safe
Highly stable UVB filter by Merck (Uvasorb HEB). Maintains protection under sunlight and pairs well with broad-spectrum UVA filters
Dipeptide of beta-alanine and histidine, a natural antioxidant. Binds glycation end-products and protects skin proteins from oxidation
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
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
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
Medium-strength UVA filter from the anthranilate group. Covers short UVA, but protective potential stays modest compared to modern molecules
Water-soluble stable vitamin C derivative. Skin phosphatase releases active ascorbic acid. Active at pH 7 – does not require acidic pH
Broad-spectrum UV filter, one of the oldest among chemical SPFs. Raises the most questions about endocrine safety and causes contact dermatitis more often than other 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
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
UVB and partial UVA filter that stabilizes avobenzone in SPF formulas. During prolonged storage it slowly turns into benzophenone with a limited toxicology base
PABA derivative that moved from old sunscreens into niche cosmetics. Carries a notable allergy risk and shows phototoxicity
Polyphenol from grape skin and berries. Antioxidant that activates sirtuins. Topical bioavailability is limited by molecular instability
Salt of resveratrol with arginine – improved bioavailability of the antioxidant compared to pure resveratrol. Pregnancy-safe
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
Stable ester form of vitamin E. Skin enzymes release active tocopherol. Less allergenic than pure tocopherol and more shelf-stable
Fat-soluble antioxidant and primary lipid antioxidant of the stratum corneum. Stabilizes cell membranes and enhances photoprotection when combined with vitamin C
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
Silicone with phenyl groups. Improves slip, gives a shine effect on skin and hair, and distributes pigments in makeup
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
Source of polyphenols, the main one being EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate). An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective agent
Extract of unroasted Arabica coffee beans – a source of chlorogenic acid and caffeine. Antioxidant and toning action. Pregnancy-safe at cosmetic concentrations
Carrot root extract – a source of carotenoids and vitamin A. Light antioxidant action, traditionally used in products for dry and mature skin. Pregnancy-safe
Eggplant fruit extract – a source of nasunin and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidant action. Pregnancy-safe
Concentrated sea buckthorn fruit extract – a source of vitamin C, carotenoids and omega-7 fatty acids. Antioxidant and regenerative action. Pregnancy-safe
Milk thistle fruit extract – a source of silymarin, a potent flavonolignan antioxidant. Protects the skin from UV stress and reduces inflammation. Pregnancy-safe
Contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid – antioxidants that also protect other unstable formula components from oxidation
Alpine edelweiss extract with leontopodic and chlorogenic acids. Protects skin cells from UV damage in lab models, delivers antioxidant action
Water-soluble UVB filter with a light texture. Suits fluids and sprays, gives a non-greasy finish and does not clog pores
Natural amino acid synthesised by certain fungi and bacteria. In humans it accumulates in tissues via the specific OCTN1 transporter. In skin it acts as a strong antioxidant, scavenging hydroxyl radicals and protecting mitochondria and DNA. Used in premium antioxidant serums