Octinoxate.
Also known as: octyl methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, OMC, Eusolex 2292
A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics. It absorbs UVB radiation and is one of the most common sunscreen ingredients worldwide. Like oxybenzone, it is an endocrine disruptor and harmful to coral reefs.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Octinoxate.
Low systemic risk from occasional use.
Daily application leads to detectable blood levels. Mineral sunscreens are preferred for daily use.
High systemic absorption. Free radical generation under UV makes frequent reapplication counterproductive.
What the research says.
Endocrine disruptor with estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity.
Toxicological Sciences, 2001 — octinoxate endocrine activity
Generates free radicals when exposed to UV light, potentially damaging skin DNA.
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2006
Toxic to coral reefs and marine organisms; banned alongside oxybenzone in Hawaii.
Global status.
How octinoxate is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 7.5% as OTC sunscreen; banned in Hawaii and Key West, FL for coral reef protection.
Details
Max 10% as UV filter in Annex VI.
Details
Max 10% as UV filter, mirroring EU.
Details
Max 7.5% as UV filter.
Details
Max 20% under MHLW positive list.
Details
Max 7.5% as UV filter.
Details
Max 10% as active sunscreen (TGA).
Details
Max 10% per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Max 10% per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with limits.
Details
Max 10%, aligned with EU.
The reason brands include it.
Efficient UVB absorber with a lightweight, cosmetically elegant texture that doesn't leave a white cast.
15
products in our database
8
brands use it
3
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose octinoxate because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxides (supplementary) deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Octinoxate in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing octinoxate.
Products Containing Octinoxate
These popular products list octinoxate in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full breakdown.
And 3 more products in our database.
Compared to Numbrrrz.
Here’s how the lowest-scoring product containing octinoxate compares.
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15
Blistex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz products contain no octinoxate or chemical UV filters. Our lip balms nourish and protect with Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Beeswax, and Vitamin E.
Quick answers.
Is octinoxate safer than oxybenzone?
Does octinoxate break down in sunlight?
Is octinoxate banned anywhere?
What are other names for octinoxate on labels?
Does octinoxate generate free radicals?
Does Numbrrrz use octinoxate?
How these brands stack up.
Brands that use octinoxate — see how they compare.