There are many different compounds that are added to sunscreens and sunscreens may have varying combinations depending on the brand. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide reflect UV. These compounds also give the sunscreen a whitish color to your skin when you put it on). Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) and oxybenzone are examples of compounds that absorb UV. OMC and oxybenzone are organic compounds that contain ring structures that allow it to absorb the UV.