Global UV filters: Current technologies and future innovations

Abstract

UV filters represent a unique class of substances, which can efficiently protect against the known carcinogenic effect of UV light due to its biophysical UV absorption potential. In Europe, substantial progress in sunscreen technology has been achieved with several new and efficient UVB, UVA, and broad-spectrum UV filters. New UV filters are also important to make sunscreens more cosmetically acceptable and to steadily improve their safety profile. Development of new UV filters continues but their commercialization is very much dependent on regulatory requirements. How regulation influences innovation is best demonstrated by the comparison between the USA and the rest of the world. Eight UV filter are awaiting US FDA approval via the time and extent application (TEA) process, established in 2002; all are in use in many parts of the world.