Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE.

Valuable CAS 118-60-5 / LIGHT STABILIZER, UV ABSORBER, UV FILTER

Ethylhexyl salicylate, also known as octisalate, is a highly stable organic UVB filter widely utilized for its effective absorption of ultraviolet light, safeguarding the skin from sun-induced damage. Beyond its primary role in sun protection, it imparts emollient and water-resistant properties, enhancing skin comfort and product durability.

Summary

Sunscreen UV Absorber UV Filter Emollient

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an ester derived from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, ethylhexyl salicylate primarily functions by absorbing UVB radiation in the 280-320nm range, with peak absorption typically around 306-310 nm, thereby preventing sunburn and cellular damage. Its chemical structure provides minimal UVA protection and helps neutralize singlet oxygen, a harmful free radical. The 2-ethylhexanol component contributes emollient and water-resistant characteristics, while also improving the stability and reducing photodegradation of other UV filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone without generating reactive oxygen species.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 5–10%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Approved as an effective UVB filter in sunscreens by regulatory bodies including the FDA (USA) and EU at concentrations up to 5%.
  2. 02 Permitted for use as a UVB filter in sunscreens in Japan at concentrations up to 10%.
  3. 03 The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) reported its safe use in leave-on cosmetic products at concentrations up to 8%, provided formulations are non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Ethylhexyl salicylate demonstrates chemical stability under standard ambient conditions. It is frequently co-formulated with other UV filters to boost SPF and to solubilize solid UV filters due to its oil solubility, effectively enhancing overall sunscreen performance and stability.

Synergies

  • Enhances SPF when combined with other UV filters.
  • Improves the photostability of other UV filters such as oxybenzone and avobenzone.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel considers Ethylhexyl Salicylate safe for use in cosmetics at current practices and concentrations, provided it is formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in 2007 concluded it has low toxicity, a high no-effect level, and is non-irritating, non-corrosive, non-phototoxic, non-photoallergenic, non-mutagenic, and non-clastogenic, with minimal skin absorption. It is approved by the FDA and EU up to 5%, and in Japan up to 10%. While the FDA requested further data on some sunscreen ingredients in 2019, Ethylhexyl Salicylate remains widely considered safe and available on the market.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a valuable and highly effective organic UVB filter, offering reliable sun protection, enhancing formulation stability, and demonstrating a favorable safety profile across all skin types.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…