Ingredient dictionary

Ethylhexyl Triazone

A chemical sunscreen filter that absorbs UVB rays, the part of sunlight most linked to sunburn, and helps sunscreens protect skin from them. It is on the label of 50 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: it is a chemical UV filter, so people with very sensitive skin, or anyone who wants a mineral-only sunscreen, may want to check for it.

Chemical UV filters. Very sensitive skin, and people who want a mineral-only sunscreen, check for these.

What Ethylhexyl Triazone does

Absorbs UVB rays
Stays stable in sunlight
Dissolves in oily ingredients

Ethylhexyl Triazone is a synthetic molecule, made in a lab rather than taken from plants or minerals. It belongs to the family of organic UV filters, which work by absorbing ultraviolet light and releasing it as a small amount of heat. Its main job is to absorb UVB rays, the part of sunlight most linked to sunburn.

Formulators like it because it dissolves in oils, so it blends easily into the oily part of sunscreens. It is known for being photostable, meaning it holds up in sunlight rather than breaking down quickly. Because it is a large molecule, it tends to stay on the surface of the skin rather than soaking in.

Good for

Anyone who wants UVB protection from a sunscreen and is comfortable with a chemical filter.

Be careful if

It is a chemical UV filter, so people with very sensitive skin, or anyone who wants a mineral-only sunscreen, may want to check for it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ethylhexyl Triazone safe?

It is a common sunscreen filter, and many people use it without trouble. Very sensitive skin may react to any chemical filter, so a patch test is a sensible first step. Check the full label, and talk to a dermatologist if you have concerns.

Is Ethylhexyl Triazone a mineral sunscreen?

No. It is a chemical filter, not a mineral one. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which work by reflecting and scattering UV light.