What component of sunscreen absorbs UV radiation?

The correct answer is that chemical filters are the components of sunscreen that absorb UV radiation. Chemical filters are formulated with specific organic compounds that interact with UV rays, converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. This absorption process helps protect the skin by preventing the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

In contrast, physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, work differently; they create a barrier that physically blocks UV radiation rather than absorbing it. Emollients are moisturizing agents that help to soften and smooth the skin but do not provide protection from UV rays. Humectants are substances that attract moisture to the skin, enhancing hydration, but they do not have any protective properties against UV radiation either. Thus, chemical filters specifically target the absorption of UV radiation, making them essential components of effective sunscreens.