Octisalate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is an oil-soluble UVB filter used in sunscreens and SPF makeup to absorb UVB radiation and help raise the measured SPF. It can also support the oil phase by helping dissolve certain other sunscreen actives.
What does Octisalate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is an oil-soluble UVB filter used in sunscreens and SPF makeup to absorb UVB radiation and help raise the measured SPF. It can also support the oil phase by helping dissolve certain other sunscreen actives.
Is Octisalate clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient has friction because it is a synthetic sunscreen active with systemic absorption data and ongoing endocrine-screening discussion, even though regulators allow it within concentration limits. Sensitization is generally uncommon, but stricter clean programs often prefer mineral-only UV systems or place extra scrutiny on organic sunscreen actives.
Is Octisalate sustainable?
It is typically made from petrochemical and synthetic feedstocks rather than renewable plant inputs. Its environmental profile is less prominent than the most debated sunscreen filters, but aquatic fate, persistence, and photodegradation data keep it from being a strong Green Chemistry fit.
Is Octisalate COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted as a sunscreen active in COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic finished products, which align more closely with mineral UV filters where sun protection claims are allowed. Its synthetic route and limited biodegradability profile make it a weak match for renewable feedstock and design-for-degradation principles.
How does Octisalate work chemically?
The molecule is a lipophilic aromatic ester with an ortho-hydroxy aromatic ring, absorbing mainly in the UVB range with peak absorbance around 305 nm. In the U.S., it is permitted up to 5% in OTC sunscreen products, and it is commonly paired with broader UVA filters because its UVA coverage is limited.
Last updated 2026-05-13