Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Ethylhexyl Salicylate (also known as Octyl Salicylate or Octisalate) is a colorless to light yellowish oily liquid used as a UVB sunscreen filter with a peak absorbance at 306 nm, covering the 280–320 nm range. It is not a strong filter on its own and is always used in combination with other sunscreen agents to enhance SPF. It also serves to solubilize other solid UV filters in formulations.
Functions as a UVB filter that contributes to SPF enhancement when combined with other sunscreen agents. It has a good safety profile and is permitted at a maximum concentration of 5% in both the US and Europe (10% in Japan).
Regulated cosmetic ingredient (Cosmetic Restriction VI/20); maximum allowed concentration is 5% in the US and EU, 10% in Japan. Should always be used in combination with other UV filters due to limited standalone efficacy.
