UV filters are individual compounds or mixtures to prevent ultraviolet (UV) light from getting through. UV filters are used in sunscreens to protect skin or in photography to reduce the level of ultraviolet light that strikes the recording medium.Historically, photographic films were mostly sensitive to UV light, which caused haziness or fogginess, and in color films a bluish hue.V filters are used in sunscreens to protect skin or in photography to reduce the level of ultraviolet light that strikes the recording medium. Historically, photographic films were mostly sensitive to UV light, which caused haziness or fogginess, and in color films a bluish hue.