Uv filter

Ingredients with the function of a UV filter help protect the skin and hair from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. They either absorb UV rays or reflect and scatter them, reducing the risk of sunburn, photoaging, pigmentation and over-drying. In sunscreens, such substances work primarily on the surface of the skin, and in hair formulas they help reduce color fading and fiber deterioration under the sun. According to the FDA, active sunscreens are responsible for protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays, and the SPF index is primarily related to UVB protection; for a wide range, UVA protection is also important. (fda.gov )

In cosmetics, typical examples include Avobenzone and Zinc Oxide. Avobenzone is classified as an organic filter: it absorbs part of the UVA rays. Zinc oxide is a broad—spectrum mineral filter used in creams, fluids, and products for sensitive skin; the FDA classifies zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as ingredients for which there is sufficient data to recognize them as safe and effective in sunscreen products at established concentrations. The effect of such components is also noticeable on the texture: mineral filters can make the product more dense and slightly whitish, while organic filters often allow for lighter and more transparent formulas. (fda.gov)

The use of this feature in cosmetics is strictly regulated: the CosIng database of the European Commission states that UV filters in the EU belong to specially permitted ingredient categories and are listed in annex VI to the Cosmetic Products Regulation. For individual substances and forms, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, safety is additionally assessed by the SCCS. This means that such ingredients are used not just as an "additive", but as active ingredients with a clearly defined task — to increase the photoprotection of the product and reduce damage from solar radiation. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)