Table 1.

Conventional synthetic UV filters approved worldwide: type, UV range of activity, maximum amount authorized in sunscreens, FDA category, and risks associated.

UV Filter	Type	Spectrum Activity	Maximum % in Sunscreens	Approvals and Possible Complications
Avobenzone	Organic or chemical	UVA	3% U.S. 5% EU, AUS 10% JP	Non-GRASE III Photodegradation Photosensitization
Octinoxate	Organic or chemical	UVA UVB	7.5% U.S. 10% EU, AUS 20% JP	Non-GRASE III Photodegradation Endocrine-disruption potential Skin absorption Breast milk detection
Octocrylene	Organic or chemical	UVA UVB	10%—worldwide	Non-GRASE III Photosensitization Skin absorption Breast milk detection
Oxybenzone	Organic or chemical	UVA UVB	6% U.S. 10% EU, AUS 5% JP	Non-GRASE III Possible photocarcinogen Skin absorption Breast milk detection Endocrine-disruption potential
Ecamsule	Organic or chemical	UVA	3% U.S. 10% EU, AUS, JP	No GRASE rating
PABA	Organic or chemical	UVB		Non-GRASE II Banned in Europe Allergen, contact dermatitis Possible photocarcinogen
Trolamine salicylate	Organic or chemical	UVB	12% U.S., CA, AUS 2.5% EU	Non-GRASE II Skin absorption Salicylism risk
Titanium dioxide	Inorganic or physical	UVA UVB	25% U.S., EU, JP No limit—AUS	GRASE I
Zinc oxide	Inorganic or physical	UVA UVB	25% U.S., EU, JP No limit—AUS	GRASE I

Abbreviations: U.S. = United States, EU = Europe, AUS = Australia, JP = Japan, and CA = Canada; GRASE = “Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective”.