Active Compound

Octinoxate

Oil-soluble UVB UV filter; peak absorption ~311 nm; undergoes trans-to-cis photoisomerization under UV exposure causing progressive SPF loss
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Oil-soluble UVB UV filter; peak absorption ~311 nm; undergoes trans-to-cis photoisomerization under UV exposure causing progressive SPF loss

Purpose

Function

Oil-soluble UVB UV filter; peak absorption ~311 nm; undergoes trans-to-cis photoisomerization under UV exposure causing progressive SPF loss
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Permitted
Safety
MODERATE
US
Restricted
EU Max Concentration10%
Absorptionmoderate
Sensitizationmoderate
MoSadequate
NOAEL450 mg/kg
ConcernModerate
Flags
uv-filteruvboil-solublephotounstabletrans-cis-isomerizationfda-limbosystemic-absorptionendocrine-disruption-concernanti-androgenicreef-toxicbanned-hawaiibanned-palaubanned-us-virgin-islandscoral-bleachingphotocontact-allergensccs-2025-safe-at-10pctifra_fragranceeu_cosing_listed
Verdict

One of the most globally used UVB filters; SCCS 2025 confirmed safety at ≤10% including for children with 1-2% dermal absorption and high margin of safety despite confirmed endocrine-disrupting and anti-androgenic properties. US remains in regulatory limbo; banned in Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Palau, and 20+ coastal jurisdictions for coral reef toxicity. Photounstable trans-to-cis isomerization reduces SPF and generates potential sensitizers over time. EU-permitted but formulators face growing substitution pressure from reef-ban expansion and endocrine concerns.

US Note

Historically marketed in the US; FDA states existing data is not sufficient to determine GRASE. Regulatory limbo alongside seven other chemical filters. Banned by local legislation in Hawaii (2021), US Virgin Islands, and other coastal jurisdictions due to coral reef toxicity. Final GRASE determination pending additional safety data.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

Category
Active Compound
Updated
Apr 23, 2026

No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.