Also called Ecamsule (technical name terephthalylidine dicamphor sulfonic acid), Mexoryl SX is a synthetic sunscreen agent developed and patented by L’Oreal and used in the company’s sunscreen products sold outside the United States since 1993 (approved for use in Europe in 1991). Ecamsule affords broad spectrum protection against the sun’s UVB and UVA rays. Exposed to UV, ecamsule undergoes reversible photoisomerization, followed by photoexcitation. The absorbed UV is then released as thermal energy, without penetrating the skin. The UVB range is 280 to 320 nanometers, and the UVA range is 320 to 400. Ecamsule protects against UV wavelengths in the 290–400 nanometer range, with peak protection at 345 nm.[3][4] Since ecamsule doesn't cover the entire UV spectrum, it should be combined with other active sunscreen agents to ensure broad-spectrum UV protection. Ecamsule is a photostable organic UVA absorber, meaning it doesn't degrade significantly when exposed to light.

Octocrylene is a compound often used as an additive in sun screen, and is thought to have skin moisturizing effects because of its emollient properties. What makes this chemical such a popular additive to sun block, is its ability to neutralize UV radiation dissipated by sunlight, and to minimize skin damage from prolonged sun exposure. Octocrylene is also often combined with avobenzone, another common sunscreen ingredient often appearing on ingredient labels. Because of its effectiveness, the chemical has been approved across the globe for use in cosmetics and skin care products, but the concentrations of this ingredient are usually limited to no more than 10 or 12 percent. However, the use of this chemical doesn’t just stop with sunscreen for face and arms, but can extend to a variety of other products, like hair spray, tannin oil, BB cream, conditioner, and CC cream, among others. Octocrylene may cause contact and photocontact allergy.

Avobenzone is an oil soluble ingredient used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays. It helps prevent sunburn. Avobenzone works by absorbing the rays and converting them to energy that is less damaging to the skin.

Etocrylene is an organic ester that appears as an off-white crystalline powder and functions as a UV absorber. When applied to the skin, this product absorbs UV rays. It can also be used to protect cosmetics and personal care products from deterioration. This product can be used in the formulation of sun protection products, as well as bath, skin, cleansing, hair, nail and fragrance products.

Octrizole (UV-329) is used as UV stabilizer within products to increase stability to light. It protects polymers as well as organic pigments from UV radiation helping to preserve the original appearance and physical integrity of polymeric systems; particularly in polyesters, polyvinyl chlorides, styrenics, acrylics, polycarbonates and polyvinyl butyral during outdoor weathering. Octrizole is an indirect additive used in food contact substances. It is used in cosmetics. The use levels of Octrizole (UV-329) range between 0.10 and 1.0%, depending on substrate and performance requirements of the final application. The product can be used alone or in combination with other additives such as light stabilizers (hindered amines), antioxidants (hindered phenols, phosphites, thiosynergists, hydroxylamines, benzofuranones), and other functional stabilizers and additives. The use of UV-329 in combination with hindered amine light stabilizers is particularly noteworthy in that a synergistic performance is often observed. Performance data of UV- 329 alone or in combination with other additives are available in selected substrates.

Octinoxate, also called Octyl methoxycinnamate or (OMC), is a UV filter. It can be absorbed rapidly through skin.Octinoxate filters UV‐B rays from the sun, although it does not protect against UV-A rays. Octinoxate dissolves in oil, which makes it a fat-seeking substance in the body. It is formed by combining methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol compounds which are not harmful on their own. When mixed together, they form a clear liquid that does not dissolve in water. Octinoxate is found in hair color products and shampoos, sunscreen, lipstick, nail polish, and skin creams. In products other than sunscreens, it is used as a UV filter to protect the products from degrading when exposed to the sun.

Menthyl anthranilate (meradimate) is an active ingredient used in sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter (OTC) human use. Maximum FDA-approved Concentration - 5%. Range of Protection - UVA2.

Dioxybenzone (benzophenone-8) is an organic compound used in sunscreen to block UVB and short-wave UVA rays. It is a derivative of benzophenone. It is insoluble in water, which lends to the ‘waterproof’ claims that sunscreens make. It’s approved for use in the US at a concentration of 3%.

Oxybenzone is one of the more popular molecules used by chemists during the manufacturing of cosmetics and is included in sunscreen for UV protection. The chemical is often used to stabilize and strengthen the color and scent of skin care products, but its widest use is in the form of sun block. Unfortunately, the debate about the safety of oxybenzone is still ongoing. One of the biggest concerns in the medical community about the widespread use of the molecule comes from the fact that it’s easily absorbed into the body. This absorption raises concerns that oxybenzone may accumulate in the body, eventually leading to potentially toxic levels of the chemical, which can affect the endocrine system.