A photostable UVB filter that lifts SPF at low levels, suited to light, modern sunscreen textures.
What it is
Ethylhexyl triazone is a UVB filter where a little goes a long way, so formulators use it to reach SPF 50+ with less total filter. That helps lighter, less greasy textures. It does little for UVA, so it is always paired with UVA filters.
Good for
UVB protectionHigh SPFLightweight sun protection
How it works
Ethylhexyl triazone absorbs strongly around 314 nm, at the long-wave end of the UVB band, with a specific absorbance above 1,500, and it keeps absorbing under long light exposure.
Ratings
Evidence
4/5
Well documented, and Australia's 2025 review found it low risk.
Gentleness
5/5
Low rates of irritation and sensitisation reported.
Formulation difficulty
3/5
High-melting powder that dissolves poorly and can recrystallise.
Cost
3/5
Speciality filter, but low use levels keep unit cost moderate.
Popularity
4/5
Widely used in Australian sunscreens and a 2025 review priority.
Pairs and cautions
Pairs well with
In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.
Permitted up to 5% in ARTG-listed sunscreens, and the TGA's 2025 safety review found it low risk at that level with no change recommended.
European Union
Annex VI also allows 5%, so Australian formulas using it meet the EU limit.
United States
Not an approved filter under the FDA sunscreen monograph, so a US sunscreen using it as an active would need an approved new drug application.
Canada
Not in Health Canada's sunscreen monograph, so a Canadian sunscreen using it would need a drug submission backed by its own safety and efficacy data.
In the lab
Specifications
Typical use level
1–5%0525%
Solubility
Oil-soluble
1–5% gives very efficient, photostable UVB cover, so small amounts lift SPF. Dissolve it fully in the heated oil phase.
INCI
Ethylhexyl Triazone
Also known as
Uvinul T 150 (BASF), Octyl triazone, EHT
Origin
synthetic
Lab notes
Solubility and phase
Dissolve in the heated oil phase with enough polar solvent: about 16% dissolves in dibutyl adipate, 6% in caprylic/capric triglyceride, 4% in octocrylene and 1.3% in ethanol (BASF). Solubility, not efficacy, usually limits the level, and it can crystallise in oil phases short on polar solvents.
Stability
Check for crystals after temperature cycling and cold storage.
Regulatory, Australia
Permitted sunscreen active, maximum 5% (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026), found low risk in the TGA's 2025 safety review with no change recommended. Primary sunscreens and moisturisers advertised above SPF 15 are therapeutic goods, usually ARTG-listed (AUST L), tested to AS/NZS 2604 and labelled with approved names and set warnings; sunscreen lip products and tinted foundations that meet the Determination’s conditions are excluded.
Claims to take care with
Use only TGA-permitted indications, such as 'SPF 50+ broad spectrum very high protection', and skin-cancer, sunspot or solar keratosis claims need broad spectrum SPF 30 or more. Its contribution shows in the tested SPF, so it is not claimed on its own.
