Octisalate 5%

TL;DR. This ingredient is an oil-soluble UV filter used primarily to absorb UVB rays and help raise SPF in sunscreen and daily-use face products. At 5%, it is being used at the typical upper regulatory limit in some markets.

What does Octisalate 5% do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is an oil-soluble UV filter used primarily to absorb UVB rays and help raise SPF in sunscreen and daily-use face products. At 5%, it is being used at the typical upper regulatory limit in some markets.

Is Octisalate 5% clean?

From a clean-standard perspective, this ingredient sits in a debated category because it is a synthetic sunscreen active rather than a mineral filter. It is generally considered low-sensitization for many users, but some clean frameworks and mineral-only sunscreen standards do not include it.

Is Octisalate 5% sustainable?

This material is typically made from petrochemical-derived feedstocks and is not a strong fit for renewable-sourcing goals. Its low water solubility means it can partition into sludge, sediment, or oily phases in wastewater systems, so environmental profile is a common point of scrutiny.

Is Octisalate 5% COSMOS-approved?

It is not permitted in COSMOS-certified natural or organic products as a synthetic organic UV filter. From a Green Chemistry view, it has practical performance value but weaker alignment on renewable feedstocks and end-of-life environmental simplicity.

How does Octisalate 5% work chemically?

The molecule is an oil-soluble aromatic ester with an ortho-hydroxy benzoate UV-absorbing chromophore and a branched C8 alkyl group. It is typically formulated in the oil phase, is used up to 5% in U.S. OTC sunscreens, and is often paired with UVA filters because its main absorbance is in the UVB range.

Last updated 2026-05-13