ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE
Commonly Found In
Overview
ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE is a cosmetic ingredient primarily used for LIGHT STABILIZER. It is commonly found in various cosmetic formulations and serves important functions in personal care products.
Also known as: Octinoxate, OMC, Parsol MCX, Uvinul MC80, Escalol 557
Key Benefits
Octinoxate is an effective UVB absorber that may help protect skin from sunburn and UV-induced DNA damage. Studies suggest it absorbs UVB radiation (peak ~310 nm) and dissipates it as heat, contributing to SPF values in sunscreen formulations.
Supporting Research
- β’ Shaath (1990) β comprehensive review of UV filter mechanisms and octinoxate's UVB absorption profile (Cosmet Toiletries)
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic at typical use concentrations (up to 10%). Widely incorporated in daily-wear SPF products.
Source: CIR Expert Panel; SCCS/1533/14
Irritancy Rating
Low irritancy in most users; photoallergy documented in photopatch testing studies at rates of approximately 0.5β1%.
Source: SCCS/1533/14; Cardoso et al. 2019 (Contact Dermatitis)
Typical Use Concentration
Range
1β10%
Optimal
5β7.5%
EU Annex VI maximum: 10%. FDA OTC monograph permits up to 7.5%. South Korea permits up to 7.5% for UV protection. Hawaii ban effective January 2021.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
One of the most widely used UVB filters globally. Oil-soluble; incorporated in the oil phase. Provides emollient-like texture. Photo-stable for UVB but does not stabilize avobenzone. Hawaii banned it in 2021 due to coral reef harm concerns.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Restricted | 7.5% | When used as UV protection | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Banned | - | Follows EU regulations (VI/12) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
Octinoxate is approved across most major markets (EU up to 10%, US up to 7.5%, Japan, Australia). However, it was banned in Hawaii (effective 2021) and faces scrutiny over endocrine activity in animal studies. The FDA classified it as Category III in its 2019 Proposed Rule. Environmental concerns around coral reef toxicity have driven sub-national bans.
Recent Regulatory Changes
- β’ Hawaii: Ban effective January 1, 2021 (Act 104, SB 2571)
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in UK but allowed in EU, USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 34 ingredients in the LIGHT STABILIZER category. 100% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Entirely synthetic cinnamate ester derivative. Does not occur naturally but is structurally related to cinnamic acid, which is found in cinnamon and other plants.
π How It's Made
Synthesized by esterifying methoxycinnamic acid with 2-ethylhexanol in the presence of an acid catalyst (typically sulfuric acid) under reflux conditions. Alternative synthesis uses cross metathesis of trans-anethole with 2-ethylhexyl acrylate using nitro-Grela catalyst (86% yield).
π Uses in Cosmetics
Uvb Filter protecting against UVB (280-320 nm) with peak protection at 310 nm. Used at Up to 7.5% in FDA and most global markets; 7.5% maximum in South Korea concentrations. The extended conjugation of the acrylate portion absorbs UVB radiation. Upon absorption, electrons are promoted to higher energy orbitals, then release absorbed energy as heat when returning to ground state. The ethylhexanol portion provides emollient and water-resistant properties.
π¬ Other Applications
Pharmaceutical preparations as UV protectant for drug stability; Hair care products for UV protection of colored hair; Lip balms and lipsticks for UVB protection
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Octinoxate was first patented in the 1950s and became widely popular from 1985 onwards.
- β’ By the 2000s, octinoxate became the most common active ingredient in sunscreens for UVB protection globally.
- β’ Hawaii banned octinoxate effective January 1, 2021 (along with oxybenzone) in the first US state-level sunscreen ingredient ban due to coral reef toxicity concerns.
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI
- β’ FDA OTC Sunscreen Monograph; FDA Proposed Rule 2019
- β’ Hawaii Act 104 (2018)
- β’ CIR Expert Panel review
- β’ Japan MHLW UV filter positive list
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Related Ingredients
BENZOPHENONE-3
BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE
BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE
DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE
DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE
OCTOCRYLENE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE used for in cosmetics?
ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE is primarily used for light stabilizer in cosmetic products. It also serves as uv absorber, uv filter. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE?
ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE is banned in UK. It has concentration limits or usage restrictions in KR. The ingredient is freely allowed in EU, JP, US.
Are there alternatives to ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For light stabilizer, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Where can I find official regulation information about ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE?
Official information about ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE regulations can be found on government websites: EU CosIng database, US FDA Cosmetics page, Japan MHLW cosmetics standards, UK Government cosmetics guidance, and Korea MFDS. Always verify regulatory status with these official sources before making formulation decisions.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.