Ingredient
Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate)
What is Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate)?
Octisalate is a chemical compound used in the formulation of sunscreens and other skincare products. It is an ester created by combining salicylic acid with isooctyl alcohol.
The primary function of octisalate is to act as a UVB filter, which helps to enhance the sun protection factor (SPF) in these products. Health discussions around octisalate highlight its potential for causing mild skin irritation in some users, but it is generally considered safe for use at concentrations up to 5% in formulations.
When you see octisalate on a label, it is present to stabilize and improve the effectiveness of sunscreen formulations by absorbing ultraviolet light.
Commonly found in: Sunscreens, Moisturizers with SPF, Facial creams, Lip balms with SPF
What to watch
- May cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
- Increases sun protection effectiveness by absorbing UVB rays.
Octisalate is approved by the FDA as a safe component in sunscreen formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Research supports its efficacy as a UVB filter but notes mild irritation in some cases.
Octisalate is not animal-derived, and is typically considered vegan-friendly.
Sources: Ethylhexyl Salicylate in Sunscreens
Scout's take
Chemical UV filter that aids absorption of other organic UV filters (penetration enhancer). Considered the lowest-concern of the chemical filters but contributes to overall systemic exposure when stacked.
Found in 4 products
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