# Recent Trends on UV filters
## 4 Conclusions  
Sunscreens are available to consumers in different forms, with different compositions, and with different characteristics. This work aimed to describe the composition and general features of UV filters by focusing on the photoprotective formulations available in 2021 in Portuguese pharmacies and parapharmacies, which is representative of the European market. The incorporation of UVA filters in the composition of sunscreens was demonstrated by the fact that the most used filter by far (>75%), avobenzene, belongs to this category. This finding can be interpreted as a result of growing knowledge regarding the harmful effects of UVA radiation, as well as the goal of cosmetic manufacturers to offer sunscreens affording broad-spectrum protection. The design of sunscreens was influenced by the target consumers, both regarding the UV filters used and the sunscreen form chosen. The combination of both organic and inorganic UV filters in the same product was substantially higher in children's photoprotectors (43.1%) than in adult sunscreens (32.2%), as was the use of inorganic UV filters (>50%). Figure 6: Frequency of use for UV filters found in sunscreens in 2015 and 2021. (BMDBM: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, OC: octocylene, Tinosorb S\({}^{\text{\textcircled{\text@b}}}\): bis-ethylhexyl polyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, EHT: ethylhexyl triazine, EHS: ethylhexyl salicylate, DHHB: diethylamino hydroxybenzyl hexyl benzoate, DBT: diethylhexyl butamido triazone, HMS: homosalate, EHMC: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, DTS: dometrizole trisiloxane, PBSA: phenylbenzamide sulfonic acid, Tinosorb M\({}^{\text{\textcircled{\text@b}}}\): methylene bis-benzothiazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, TDSA:erephthalhalydidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, MBC: 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PS15: polysilicon-15, IMC: isoamyl \(p\)-methoxycinnamate, DPDT: disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, Triasorb\({}^{\text{\textcircled{\text@b}}}\): phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine, TBPT: tris-biphenyl triazine.) The formulation of photoprotectors for children with higher amounts of inorganic filters might have a dual purpose: to increase SPF and minimize sensitization reactions due to organic filters. Regarding galenic forms, 12 different galenic forms were identified in adult sunscreen formulations, which was slightly higher than the ten available for children's sunscreens. Emulsions were the preferred form for adults' sunscreens, while for children sprays were preferred, probably due to convenience of use. As to information about the SPF values, there were no sunscreens with an SPF value below 30 for children. The trendiest SPF value, both in adults (59.4%) and children (81.5%), was SPF 50+, which shows the intention of industries to place sunscreens with highly effective photoprotection in the market (in particular in the pharmacy sector), thus targeting health concerns related to sun overexposure, particularly skin cancer. Analyzing the evolution of the usage frequency of UV filters from 2015 to 2021, some conclusions can be drawn. In a timespan of six years, avobenzene maintained its position as the most used UV filter (usage frequency >65%). The incorporation of bis-ethylhexyloxyphenyl methacrylate in sunscreens doubled in 2021. In contrast, a decrease in the usage of octocylene and ethylhexyl salicylate (up to 10%), and particularly of nano methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M(r) ) (nearly 50%), was also observed, probably related to human and environmental safety issues. On the other hand, the inorganic UV filter TiO\({}_{2}\) is being increasingly used. Recent data on the safety and photostability of UV filters and consumer concerns seem to be, at least partially, being considered in the reformulation of commercial sunscreens, which substantiates the focus of the cosmetic industry on designing safer products. The use of UV filters in cosmetic formulations is a must-have in order to afford protection against UV radiation. However, the choice of which UV filters should be used is a challenge.