Uvinul T 150: Comedogenic Rating & Ingredient Analysis
Uvinul T 150, chemically ethylhexyl triazone, is the most powerful UVB filter available by weight, meaning a small amount delivers a large boost to sun protection factor. It is a modern, highly photostable organic filter used widely in European and Asian sunscreens to reach high SPF values efficiently. Because it absorbs only UVB, it is always teamed with UVA filters such as Uvinul A Plus or the broad-spectrum Tinosorb S. Like the other advanced filters in this family, it is approved in the EU and many regions but not by the US FDA, so it is absent from American sunscreens.
Quick facts
- Comedogenic rating
- our estimate — not measured
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Effective pH
- —
- Typical strength
- EU ≤5%
- Pregnancy
- Considered safe
- Suits skin types
- oilydrycombinationsensitivenormalacne-pronemature
Where this number comes from
No one has published a comedogenic rating for this ingredient. Fulton's 1989 table tested about 250 raw materials and this was not among them, and we found no later study measuring it. The figure shown is our own reasoning from the ingredient's chemistry and how it is used — treat it as an estimate, not a measurement.
Fulton read his own scale as 0-1 not significant, 2-3 borderline, 4-5 positive. The assay is the rabbit ear at 10% dilution, which the paper itself calls extremely sensitive and not fully predictive of human skin. Ratings describe the raw ingredient; concentration and formulation change real-world behaviour.
Caution profile
The four published fields on this page, on one 0–5 scale. Further from the centre means more care is needed — never that the ingredient is worse.
Derived, not measured: pore-clogging is the published comedogenic rating; irritation maps low/moderate/high to 1/3/5; pregnancy maps safe/caution/avoid to 0/3/5; skin-type limits is how many of the seven skin types this entry does NOT list. Every input is printed in words in the quick-facts card above.
Show the numbers
| Metric | 0–5 | Published field |
|---|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | 0 | 0/5 |
| Irritation | 1 | Low |
| Skin-type limits | 0 | 7/7 |
| Pregnancy | 0 | Considered safe |
Working pH and typical strength
Where this ingredient is formulated to sit, and at what concentration.
Both bars come from the fields above: the pH window and the typical strength range published for this ingredient. The tinted column is healthy skin's surface pH (about 4.7–5.75).
Show the numbers
| Metric | 0–5 |
|---|---|
| Typical strength | EU ≤5% |
What is it?
Uvinul T 150 is a triazine-based organic filter with an extremely high absorbance peaking around 314 nanometres, in the UVB range. Its molar absorptivity is the highest of any approved UVB filter, so formulators can hit strong SPF with a modest percentage, keeping textures light. It is also very photostable and helps stabilize partner filters, which improves the durability of the whole formula. Being oil-soluble but a solid, it is usually dissolved with the help of solvents like homosalate or other filters. It offers no UVA protection on its own and is always part of a broader blend.
Benefits
Extremely efficient UVB filter
It is the strongest UVB absorber per unit weight, so a small amount lifts SPF substantially and keeps the finished formula light on the skin.
Highly photostable
It resists breakdown in sunlight and helps stabilize partner filters, contributing to reliable, long-lasting protection through the day.
Gentle profile
It has a low irritation and allergy rate and minimal skin penetration, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin in daily sunscreens.
Builds high SPF
Paired with UVA filters like uvinul-a-plus or tinosorb-s, it enables efficient high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreens that layer well over antioxidants.
How to use
Uvinul T 150 is used only inside finished sunscreens; apply the product as your daily SPF and reapply every two hours in strong sun. Because it covers UVB alone, check that the formula also lists UVA filters so it is broad-spectrum. Thanks to its efficiency, sunscreens using it often achieve high SPF with a light feel, which suits oily and combination skin. It layers under makeup and over vitamin-e or vitamin-c serums without trouble. US consumers will need to buy internationally to access products containing it.
Side effects
Uvinul T 150 is very well tolerated, with low rates of irritation and contact allergy and negligible skin absorption. It is not associated with the systemic or environmental concerns raised for some older filters. As with all sunscreens, avoid contact with the eyes, which can sting. EU safety reviews support its use within the approved concentration limit.
Who should avoid it
There is no group that specifically needs to avoid Uvinul T 150; it is gentle and generally considered acceptable in pregnancy. People in the US cannot buy it domestically because of FDA approval status. Those with a rare allergy should switch to a mineral sunscreen based on zinc-oxide.
Pairs well with
Frequently asked questions
Why is Uvinul T 150 so effective?
It has the highest UV absorbance of any approved UVB filter, so a small amount adds a lot of SPF, letting brands make strong yet lightweight sunscreens.
Does Uvinul T 150 protect against UVA?
No. It only absorbs UVB, so it is always combined with UVA filters like Uvinul A Plus or broad-spectrum Tinosorb S for full protection.
Is Uvinul T 150 available in the US?
No. It is approved in the EU and many other regions but has not been cleared by the FDA, so it does not appear in US sunscreens.
Is Uvinul T 150 safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. It has a low irritation rate and barely penetrates the skin, making it well suited to sensitive and acne-prone skin in daily sunscreens.
Sources & further reading
Medical disclaimer
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