Top Sunscreens with Only New Generation UV Filters

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If you’re a skincare nerd like me, you probably love dissecting the ingredients lists of the products you’re using, figuring out which ingredients your skin likes and which it doesn’t.

When it comes to sunscreens, my skin isn’t actually too fussy… my eyes on the other hand, that’s a whole different story.

Having tested so many sunscreen formulas, I’ve come to learn that my eyes just don’t tolerate old generation UV filters. By the end of the day, my eyes are stinging and streaming – not ideal when you’re hoping for a ‘barely-there’, unnoticeable sunscreen feel.

Thanks to advancements in the world of sun protection, many brands now opt for new generation UV filters instead. These might be mixed in with old gen filters or – less commonly – appear in sunscreen formulations by themselves.

It’s actually pretty hard to find much info on sunscreens that only use new generation UV filters, which is why I thought I’d compile them here.

What are new generation UV filters?

Before we jump into what new generation UV filters are, it probably helps to explain what constitutes an ‘old generation’ filter.

It might surprise you to learn that, in the US, the FDA hasn’t approved any new sunscreen filters since the 90s. In fact, the only sun filters it considers safe and effective are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide – both mineral.

Interestingly, there are a handful of non-GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) chemical UV filters that are sold in the US, and this is what ‘old generation’ generally refers to. This includes:

• Avobenzone
• Oxybenzone
• Octocrylene
• Octinoxate
• Octisalate
• Homosalate

New generation UV filters, sometimes referred to as next-generation or second generation filters, are sunscreen filters which have been developed in the 21st century and haven’t gone through the FDA approval process.

That’s not to say they’re used without regulation though!

Korean, Australian and European sunscreens often contain new gen UV filters which have been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies. They’re just not approved, and therefore not available for purchase, in the US.

Common new generation filters

Some of the most commonly used new generation UV filters are:

• Tinosorb S
  Also known as: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine or Bemotrizinol
  Protection: Broad spectrum
• Tinosorb M
  Also known as: Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol or Bisoctrizole
  Protection: Broad spectrum
• Uvinul T 150
  Also known as: Ethylhexyl Triazone or Octyltriazone
  Protection: UVB
• Mexoryl XL
  Also known as: Drometrizole Trisiloxane
  Protection: Broad spectrum
• Mexoryl SX
  Also known as: Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid or Ecamsule
  Protection: UVA
• Mexoryl 400
  Also known as: Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate
  Protection: UVA
• Iscotrizinol
  Also known as: Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone or Uvasorb HEB
  Protection: Protects against UVB and UVA II (but not UVA I)
• TriAsorB™
  Also known as: Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine
  Protection: Broad spectrum

What are the benefits of new generation filters?

It’s important to remember that new generation UV filters aren’t available in the US not because they’ve been deemed unsafe to use, but because of a regulation lag.

In fact, these modern sunscreen filters appear to be better than their old generation counterparts in many ways, so it’s a shame that they’re not more widely available.

They’re more photostable, meaning they break down less easily when in the sun. They often offer a broader spectrum of sun protection. They’re generally less irritating for sensitive skin, and the formulas are overall more cosmetically elegant. They might be lighter and less greasy – things that just make the sunscreen feel better on the skin.

Top sunscreens with new gen filters

Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M

A lightweight, vegan formula which is also fragrance-free. Love a soothing sunscreen? This contains Panthenol, Centella Asiatica, Vitamin E, and a bunch of ceramides – a winning combination for reactive or sensitive skin.

This absorbs into the skin quickly and leaves no white cast. Unusual for a sunscreen with new gen filters, the Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen has a matte finish, making it a great pick for oily/combination skin types.

SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol

My favourite SPF of all time, the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum has the most gorgeous feel and finish of any sunscreen formula I’ve tried. It’s lightweight and dewy, but not overly so. It also blends into the skin like a dream – it really just feels like a moisturiser.

SKIN1004 is famously known for its Cica skincare, so it’s no surprise that Centella Asiatica is one of the star ingredients. We also have various other skin soothers in here, like Niacinamide, Adenosine, and Green Tea.

Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50

Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, TriAsorB™, Tinosorb S

This sunscreen is pretty interesting, as it contains TriAsorB™ – a patented UV filter that provides ultra-broad protection. This means it protects against UVA, UVB and blue light. This sun filter has also been proven to be non-toxic to three species of marine biodiversity, which is amazing.

The Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible sunscreen has a very thin texture, so it sits well on the skin. It’s non-sticky, non-greasy, and free from fragrance and alcohol – a solid pick if your skin is a little fussy.

iUNIK Beta-Glucan Barrier Sunscreen

Filters: Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus, Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX, Iscotrizinol

The iUNIK Beta-Glucan Barrier Sunscreen is an excellent choice for barrier-damaged, dehydrated skin. The star ingredient here is Beta-Glucan which is not only super soothing, but also really great at locking hydration into the skin.

Pair this with iUNIK’s Aging-Shield Peptide blend and you’ve got a sunscreen formula that both keeps the skin plump and moisturised and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol

A lotion-like SPF which suits dry skin types down to the ground, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients, like Green Tea, Ginseng, and Rice Extract.

This has a dewy finish and no white cast, making it a firm favourite among K-beauty sunscreen devotees. It’s also fragrance-free, which is exactly what you want from a sensitive skin friendly formula.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream

Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol

Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream is a 2-in-1 type product. It’s a sun protectant first and foremost, but it also works perfectly well as a moisturiser. If your skin leans dry, you can double up on this sunscreen and your everyday cream. And if your skin is on the oily side, you can just use this in place of your daily moisturiser.

As with the SKIN1004 and Beauty of Joseon sunscreens, this Round Lab one is made by Korean cosmetics manufacturer Kolmar, which is why they use the same filters and have a similar base formula. If you get on with one, it’s worth trying out others with the same UV filter mix.

Hamel Vegan Relief Water Essence Suncream

Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol

Another Kolmar-manufactured sunscreen, hence the the same list of UV filters. This Vegan Relief Water Essence Suncream by Hamel is lesser known, but just as good as its cousins (SKIN1004, Beauty of Joseon, and Round Lab) above.

This has a super lightweight texture that absorbs into the skin quickly. That’s not all though. This sunscreen is formulated with so many skin-soothers, like Green Tea, Heartleaf and Centella Asiatica. It’s the perfect match for easily-irritated, sensitive skin – as long as you’re ok with a bit of fragrance.

S.Nature Aqua 365 UV Sun

Filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol

I bet by now you’re starting to recognise the same set of UV filters. Could it be another Kolmar sunscreen? 👀

Of course it is! I’m starting to think a whole Kolmar blog post might be in order!

The S.Nature Aqua 365 UV Sun is a must-have for any sensitive skin skincare routine. It’s hypoallergenic and filled with so many calming ingredients. We’ve got Panthenol, Allantoin and Beta-Glucan in here just to name a few. Plus, there’s three forms of Hyaluronic Acid in here, for extra hydration and skin barrier support.

So there you have it, my top sunscreens with only new generation UV filters. Have you tried any of these? If so, which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!