Mineral filters (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and organic filters (e.g., avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate) absorb, reflect, or scatter UV radiation to protect skin from UVA/UVB damage. They are the functional photoprotective agents in sunscreen formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
White cast or cosmetic residue | Common | Particularly with mineral filters on deeper skin tones |
Skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More often associated with certain organic filters, especially near the eyes |
Contact allergic dermatitis | Rare | Reported with organic filters such as oxybenzone and avobenzone |
Photoallergic reaction | Rare | Some organic filters can trigger sun-activated allergic responses |
Acneiform breakouts or pore congestion | Uncommon | Depends on formulation base rather than filters alone |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.