UV filter (chemical vs mineral)

What is UV filter?

The actives that provide sun protection. Organic (chemical) filters absorb UV; mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide scatter and absorb it.

Why does UV filter matter when sourcing Korean cosmetics?

Approved filters differ dramatically by market. Several modern filters that are standard in Korean and EU sunscreens are not approved in the US, where sunscreen is regulated as an OTC drug. This mismatch is the single biggest reason a best-selling Korean sunscreen cannot simply be exported to the United States.

At a glance

Category

Ingredients

Also known as

자외선 차단 성분

Korean term

자외선 차단 성분

Last reviewed

July 23, 2026

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