A topical composition containing an alkoxylated diphenylacrylate compound and an aryl carboxylic ester is provided. Preferably, the topical composition is a sunscreen composition containing α-ethylhexyl α-cyano-β-(4-methoxyphenyl)-β-phenylacrylate and 2-phenylethyl benzoate, and optionally further containing 4,4'-t-butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, which is characterized by improved photo-protection of the skin and is effective in preventing/reducing photo-damage of the skin upon exposure to sunlight or other sources of light in the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) ranges.
