Why are UV Filters Used in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products?

As consumers become more aware of the need to protect themselves from the sun not only for beach vacations, UV protection is now incorporated into many everyday cosmetic products such as facial skin care and decorative cosmetics. UV filters can be used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays (skin cancer, photodamage and wrinkles). UV filters are also used to protect products and their ingredients as well as packaging. UV filters are sometimes used to protect hair color, especially dyed hair.

UV filters are generally divided into organic sunscreens and inorganic sunscreens.

Organic UV filters are composed of organic (carbon-based) molecules that function as sunscreens by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat. Organic UV filters are highly absorbent at specific wavelengths and are transparent to visible light. Inorganic UV filters work by reflecting or scattering UV radiation.