Novel compounds having a two-armed cyclic structure are described. These novel compounds absorb both ultraviolet (UV)-A and UV-B radiation and are formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients to generate a topical composition which is photoprotective when applied to the skin of a subject. Methods for measuring the photoprotective properties of the novel compounds are described as are methods of protecting against sunburn or sun damage through the application of the topical compositions formulated as described.