Ingredient guide
Octisalate in Sunscreen
What Octisalate does in sunscreen and how it's regulated.
About Octisalate
Octisalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as sunscreen.
Why brands use it in sunscreen
Absorbs UVB rays, boosts SPF values, and helps dissolve and stabilize other sunscreen active ingredients in the formulation.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: Approved up to 5%. Not yet classified as GRASE by FDA pending additional safety data.
- European Union: Not on the EU prohibited list (some ingredients have concentration limits)
- Canada: Not restricted
Common alternatives
Other ingredients formulators use for a similar job in sunscreen:
zinc oxide
titanium dioxide
non-nano mineral sunscreens
Octisalate in other product types
FAQ
What is Octisalate?
Octisalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as sunscreen.
Why is Octisalate used in sunscreen?
Absorbs UVB rays, boosts SPF values, and helps dissolve and stabilize other sunscreen active ingredients in the formulation.
How is Octisalate regulated?
Approved up to 5%. Not yet classified as GRASE by FDA pending additional safety data.
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain Octisalate?
No. Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
