Spf

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Chemical UV filter of the salicylate class — one of the most common UVB filters in sun protection products. It provides a pleasant texture and reduces the viscosity of SPF formulas, thus widely used as a "softener" in sunscreen cosmetics.

UVB filterchemical SPFsalicylatetexturizing agent

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Ethylhexyl Salicylate (INCI: Ethylhexyl Salicylate; USA: Octisalate) — an ester of 2-hydroxybenzoic (salicylic) acid with 2-ethylhexanol. Molecular weight ~250 Da. A colorless or pale yellow liquid with a light floral scent. UVB filter: absorbs UVB in the range of 295–315 nm, peak ~307 nm. Does not protect against UVA. Maximum allowed concentration: EU — 5%, USA — 5%, Japan — 10%. Widely used together with broad-spectrum filters (avobenzone, bisoctrizole) for complete UVA+UVB coverage. Also known for its ability to improve the texture of SPF formulas due to its oily consistency.

Day creams and fluids with SPF, sunscreens (SPF 15–50+), foundation and BB/CC creams with protection, SPF primers, and care products with photoprotection.

Key Benefits

✦

Effective UVB protection in a stable formula

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is one of the most stable UVB filters: it does not photodegrade, does not change efficacy during long-term storage. Unlike avobenzone (photounstable without a stabilizer) and PABA (allergenic, rarely used), octisalate is widely used as a reliable UVB component. Often combined with avobenzone, where octisalate also acts as a photostabilizer for avobenzone.

◈

Improvement of SPF formula texture

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a liquid fatty ester that "softens" rigid SPF formulas. Adding 3–5% reduces the overall viscosity of the formula, improves spreadability, and reduces "white cast" from mineral filters. This makes it indispensable in hybrid (chemical + mineral) SPF formulas: it improves texture without losing protection efficacy.

✧

Wide compatibility and experience of safe use

Octisalate has been used in cosmetics for decades, undergoing numerous safety studies. The FDA (USA) and EU SCCS have approved it for daily use up to 5%. Well tolerated by most skin types. Rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions — a safer choice compared to benzophenones (oxybenzone) for sensitive skin.

Suitable for

all skin typesdaily SPF protectionhybrid SPF formulas

Main Actions

✓ UVB filter (295–315 nm)✓ improvement of SPF texture✓ photostabilizer for avobenzone

Octisalate vs Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)

Both are chemical UVB filters. Octinoxate (OMC): broader UVB spectrum, higher efficacy, but more controversial (impact on corals, possible hormonal effect). Octisalate: narrower spectrum, lower efficacy, but better safety profile and texturizing agent function. Most modern formulas use both or one of them together with UVA filters.

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