Two new 2-(2´-hydroxyaryl)benzotriazole derivatives were synthesized and studied by photophysical and photochemical techniques in order to assess their ability to act as UV-filters. The absorption and emission properties of both compounds were determined in solvents of different polarity. In non polar solvent, a photoinduced excited state intramolecular proton transfer was established leading to efficient non radiative dissipation of UV-energy. In addition, the compounds considered were photostable under irradiation with simulated sunlight.