Octyl Salicylate cropped up in sun protection conversations back in the mid-20th century. The world wanted something that could stand up to hours outside without breaking down easily. Early makers of sunscreens were looking for compounds that could withstand long summer days and not cause skin eruptions or irritation. That search led chemists down the road toward esters of salicylic acid. Octyl Salicylate came out of a lab, promising better compatibility with skin and stability under the sun compared to some of the harsher chemicals used in those days. Folks who grew up slathered in thick, greasy sunblock might remember the sticky, chalky coatings of those early formulas. Adding Octyl Salicylate changed the texture game, letting products feel lighter. Over the decades, Octyl Salicylate earned trust, appearing in big brands’ ingredient lists. Lab evidence supported the idea that it could filter out UVB rays, keep its cool in heat, and provide smoother application in modern sunscreens.
Octyl Salicylate shows up mostly in sunscreens and daily lotions these days. Also known as 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, it helps soak up UVB rays, which are the ones that burn skin and cause early aging. Most of its use comes in clear or slightly yellow liquids, mixed into creams, sprays, and gels. Unlike some sunscreen agents that smell harsh or leave a white cast, Octyl Salicylate blends in gently, giving products a subtle finish. Personal care giants have latched on to its friendly profile, often listing it high up in their formulations for beach day essentials, facial moisturizers with SPF, and even lip balms made for outdoor adventures. Since consumers want smoother, lighter, non-whitening products, Octyl Salicylate gets a front-row seat in the sunscreen world.
Octyl Salicylate stands out for its clear, oily texture with a slight hint of yellow. At room temperature, you will find it has a consistency slick enough to blend with other oils but without the heaviness of some mineral sunscreens. Its molecular weight hovers around 250 g/mol, and it doesn’t dissolve in water—something that makes it useful for water-resistant products. It melts at a temperature way below freezing, meaning it won’t clump up in answer to cold storage. Boiling point lands above 200°C, preparing it for the heat of long summer exposure. Chemists value its stability and resistance to typical sunscreen “breakdown.” In my experience working with skincare labs, its stubborn resistance to light and air means fewer headaches with shelf life or stability complaints.
Labelers usually list Octyl Salicylate as “Octisalate” in the United States and “Ethylhexyl Salicylate” in Europe and Asia. Approved levels top out at 5% in U.S. formulas, though other regions sometimes let brands push slightly higher. Sunscreen packaging includes Octyl Salicylate for UVB protection, not as a broad block against UVA rays, so it generally appears teamed up with other filters. Regulatory offices, including both the FDA and European health agencies, demand clear labeling to help consumers spot potential allergens. Labels must also disclose additional details about secondary ingredients, which helps those sensitive to salicylates avoid unwanted reactions. Skincare brands with strong reputations never skimp on these details—it goes beyond compliance to actually protect everyday users.
Synthesis of Octyl Salicylate takes place in plants accustomed to handling both organics and esters. Most commercial batches begin with salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. Acid catalysis spurs on the esterification, typically with sulfuric acid in a glass-lined reactor. Heat and gentle stirring help the reaction along. The resulting Octyl Salicylate goes through several wash cycles to remove unreacted acid and neutralize the mixture. After distillation under vacuum, you end up with a clear, viscous oil, ready for careful packaging and shipping. Any facility producing this compound watches temperature and acidity during production closely; too much acid or too high a temperature could yield unwanted byproducts that risk skin sensitivity in final products.
Octyl Salicylate undergoes mild reactions in most standard sunscreen formulas. In the presence of strong acids or bases, it might break back down to salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. These breakdown reactions matter less inside a finished cream bottle, since the rest of the sunscreen sits near a neutral pH. UV exposure doesn’t easily destroy it; this stability forms part of the reason brands keep it in their lineups. Chemical engineers also experiment with modifications, such as tweaking the alkyl chain in the molecule, to search for even better UV blocking or lower allergenic potential. Beyond that, formulators sometimes pair it with antioxidants, boosting resistance to breakdown when used alongside more fragile UV filters like avobenzone.
Octyl Salicylate pops up in ingredient lists under several names: Octisalate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, and even the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient label Ethylhexyl Salicylate. The variety shows how manufacturers position their products for different markets. Sunscreen aficionados usually find it playing a lead role in beach formulas, sporting goods brands, and everyday moisturizers. Since regulations differ between markets, knowing the alternative names helps avoid confusion across borders. It’s also helpful for doctors or folks with allergies tracking down sources of irritation.
From a user standpoint, Octyl Salicylate comes off as a safe bet in sun protection. Governments like the U.S. FDA and Europe’s SCCS have gone over decades of lab and clinical data. Most people handle it just fine atop the skin; only a small slice experience mild irritation or allergy, often connected to sensitivity to salicylates. Safety standards push for rigorous purity with each batch, removing contaminants and other esters that could cause skin flare-ups. Workplace teams who handle the raw compound wear gloves and work in well-ventilated spaces, since oily vapors and splashes—like most chemicals—shouldn’t end up breathed in or left on skin for long. Any company not taking these basic steps won’t survive in today’s regulatory climate. Brands aiming to build customer trust emphasize full transparency, especially for sunscreens marketed to toddlers or those with sensitive skin.
You’ll spot Octyl Salicylate in beach sunscreens lining drugstore shelves, daily SPF lotions, outdoor makeup, and lip balms. Sports-focused body blocks contain it for its strong water resistance—surfers, runners, and hikers need formulas that stay put during sweat or ocean sprays. Everyday moisturizers depend on it for a boost to SPF ratings, especially when manufacturers need to avoid heavier, less pleasant ingredients. Makeup brands use it in tinted moisturizers and BB creams, where its invisible finish means users sidestep streaks or chalkiness. In my years consulting for skincare launches, the move toward “cosmetically elegant” formulas has put pressure on labs to lean on ingredients like Octyl Salicylate to marry efficacy and pleasant texture.
Plenty of research labs keep tabs on this chemical. Projects comparing Octyl Salicylate with other UV filters help nail down the strengths and limits of each. There’s ongoing work looking at how to combine it with newer blockers or stabilize more fragile filters prone to breakdown under sunlight. Analytical chemists run thorough tests—chromatography, mass spectrometry, stability studies—tracking how Octyl Salicylate holds up in harsh storage, temperature swings, or intense light. Some develop nanoemulsions or microencapsulation to control release and skin penetration, trying to stretch performance or cut down on irritation risk. These advances attract brands seeking innovative SPF claims without switching out tried-and-true chemistry.
Most toxicology reports on Octyl Salicylate point in the same direction: low danger at the levels seen in consumer products. Researchers test for things like skin absorption, irritation, long-term exposure, and potential reproductive talk. So far, high safety margins separate typical consumer use from any sign of systemic toxicity. Publishers in peer-reviewed journals dig into possible hormone disruption or ecological impact, since other sunscreen agents have drawn headlines for harming coral reefs. Testing on marine ecosystems hasn’t raised the same red flags with Octyl Salicylate as with oxybenzone, but scrutiny continues. Allergy researchers remind people prone to salicylate or aspirin sensitivity to read labels and check with doctors before heavy use.
Looking forward, a few trends keep shaping where Octyl Salicylate fits in sunscreen technology. Demands for higher SPF, lower greasiness, and reef-safe credentials keep pushing manufacturers to tweak concentrations or pair Octyl Salicylate with newer filters. The push for “clean beauty” has brands examining sourcing, purity, and contaminant levels, with independent labs verifying safety for tighter transparency. As countries decide on sunscreen ingredient acceptability, formulators will keep balancing the strong track record of Octyl Salicylate with new claims for safety and sustainability. At the same time, much of the public conversation comes down to trust: trusted filters, trusted brands, trusted safety. In my years talking with dermatologists, regulators, and consumers, ingredients like Octyl Salicylate stick around because they work in real lives—offering skin protection that’s hard to give up, rain or shine, decade after decade.
Octyl Salicylate shows up in a surprising number of daily skincare and cosmetic products. Most people smudge sunscreen on their skin and go about their business, not giving a second thought to what’s written in tiny letters on the back of the bottle. The ingredient might not spark the same recognition as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, yet it’s an unseen player in keeping our skin out of trouble.
Octyl Salicylate, or Ethylhexyl Salicylate as scientists call it, soaks up the UVB rays that can leave skin red and sore. This kind of UV damage stacks up over time, and most people carry the reminders of missed sunscreen applications in freckles, sun spots, or worse. Spending summer vacations at the beach as a kid taught me a few hard lessons about skipping sun protection—those burns don’t just hurt; they set the stage for wrinkles and potentially even skin cancer down the road. Octyl Salicylate, at its core, keeps some of those worries at bay.
One simple reason brands turn to Octyl Salicylate is because it plays well with other sunscreen agents. It feels lighter on the skin than certain mineral filters, so lotions with this ingredient often have a more pleasant texture—less greasy, no white cast. This matters for anyone who, like me, has ditched heavy sunscreens because they feel like a thick coat of paint. People are less likely to use sunscreen if they don’t like how it feels or looks, so this ingredient boosts the odds folks get good protection.
Not all sunscreen chemicals are stable on their own, especially under strong sunlight. Octyl Salicylate acts as a stabilizer for less reliable UV filters, helping keep the whole protective system working longer. According to peer-reviewed journals like the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, its presence slows down the breakdown of other ingredients. This strength lets companies mix and match UV filters so products offer broad-spectrum coverage—defending against both sunburn and long-term skin damage.
The debate about sunscreen chemicals gets louder every summer. People ask: Is Octyl Salicylate safe for skin? Does it stick around in rivers and lakes and hurt wildlife? As someone with sensitive skin, I’ve paid close attention. Regulatory agencies, including the FDA and European Commission, allow it in consumer products at specific concentrations because research shows it’s low risk when used as directed. Most reports of problems come from rare allergic reactions or from using way more than any label recommends—pretty unlikely during a typical day at the pool.
Concerns about environmental impact keep popping up. So far, Octyl Salicylate does not carry the same red flags as oxybenzone or octinoxate, both linked to coral bleaching. Still, gaps in long-term data exist. Scientists push for more research rather than simply banning widely used tools. In my opinion, decisions worth making come from careful balance—protecting human health while watching out for the environment. Brands now put more effort into responsible sourcing, lower concentrations where possible, and greener formulations.
Rising skin cancer rates mean that effective sun protection shouldn’t just be an afterthought. Patients I’ve spoken to want sunscreens that do their job without feeling sticky, irritating, or dangerous for the planet. Octyl Salicylate, with its history, blends experience and practicality, but education matters. If more folks understood why these ingredients show up in products, and how to use them correctly, we’d see fewer sunburns—and likely, less regret.
Personal choices count. Reading labels, swapping out old bottles for broad-spectrum formulas, and spreading awareness with family and friends does make a difference. In the end, Octyl Salicylate’s job is straightforward: keep the sun’s worst effects in check so everyone can enjoy time outdoors without unnecessary risk.
Octyl Salicylate often shows up in sunscreen bottles and some makeup. Its main job is to absorb UVB rays and help keep skin from burning. On paper, it looks like a gentle helper in the long line of sunscreen ingredients. But people with sensitive skin often wonder if they’ll wake up with redness or itching after using it.
Dermatologists tend to agree Octyl Salicylate has a low risk for most folks. Regulatory bodies in the United States and Europe allow it in over-the-counter products at safe percentages. Most research on this ingredient, even studies aiming to trigger reactions in volunteers, shows barely any skin irritation or allergic response in the general population.
But having sensitive skin, I know even small risks can feel huge. Years back, I tried a “lightweight” sunscreen promising not to clog pores and touting Octyl Salicylate on the label. I worried my face would flare up, but no stinging or rash followed. My skin reacted worse to some “natural” products everyone insisted were gentle. In my experience, Octyl Salicylate stands out as one of the calmer UV filters.
Sensitive skin acts like a wildcard. Something that feels fine to one person can mess up someone else’s barrier. Patch testing helps keep surprises at bay. Dabbing a new product behind the ear or on the inside of the arm for a few days gives a preview of how skin will react. Dermatologists still say this step beats guessing, especially if you’ve struggled with sunscreen rashes before.
People sometimes compare Octyl Salicylate to oxybenzone or avobenzone, two ingredients getting more attention lately for both health and environmental reasons. Oxybenzone, in particular, sparks concern for hormone disruption and coral reef damage. Those with sensitive skin often find more frequent irritation from oxybenzone-based formulas than those built around Octyl Salicylate.
Mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide also come up as alternatives. I use mineral sunscreens in the winter, but during hot weather they sometimes feel greasy or leave a faint white cast. Friends with darker skin tones talk about chalky streaks. In those cases, sunscreens with Octyl Salicylate balance weight and comfort without bringing the most common mineral sunscreen hassles.
Products using Octyl Salicylate rarely rely on it alone. Soothing ingredients like panthenol, aloe vera, and ceramides calm the skin and help counter dryness that sometimes sneaks in with sun exposure. Reading ingredients lists, checking for fragrances or alcohols, and paying attention to preservative types remains just as important as the UV filter itself.
Good skin health takes listening to your own body even more than trends. My experience and that of others with sensitive skin shows Octyl Salicylate can work without drama, but there’s no one perfect solution. Personal trial, reading, and sometimes expert help shape what’s safest and most comfortable for the individual. If a sunscreen feels wrong, setting it aside and picking one with different filters or more soothing agents can make warm days outside less stressful for your skin.
Ask just about anyone on the beach or in a drugstore: people want their sunscreen to block as much UV as possible. Modern brands carry all sorts of claims—broad spectrum, water resistant, reef safe. Octyl salicylate, sometimes listed as Ethylhexyl Salicylate on the label, tends to get mentioned alongside better-known ingredients like avobenzone or zinc oxide. But does it really keep your skin safe from both UVA and UVB rays?
In skin-care circles, octyl salicylate works as a UVB filter. The sun’s burning rays, as dermatologists will tell you, fall in the UVB range (290–320 nm). Damage here leads directly to sunburn and raises your risk for some types of skin cancer. Chemicals such as octyl salicylate absorb UVB rays, change the energy, and protect skin cells underneath. Research, including safety reviews from Cosmetic Ingredient Review and publications from regulators like the FDA, confirms this role. The ingredient brings mildness and stability, which is why formulators use it often for sensitive skin or in clear sprays and gels.
Broad-spectrum coverage calls for UVA protection too. UVA rays reach deeper than UVB. These rays play a major part in visible skin aging: wrinkles, sun spots, loss of firmness. According to peer-reviewed studies, including ones available through the National Institutes of Health, octyl salicylate only covers a sliver of the UVA range if at all. It mainly focuses on UVB. For the UVA range (320–400 nm) sunscreen makers have to blend in ingredients like avobenzone, bemotrizinol, or titanium dioxide.
The World Health Organization states that more than 90% of visible changes to skin come from the sun, not from aging itself. Knowing which ingredients block which rays makes a big difference in long-term health. Many people pick sunscreens trusting “broad spectrum” claims or SPF numbers alone. But SPF measures only UVB protection. So someone might walk away happy with a bottle that blocks burns, but leaves their skin exposed to deep-down UVA damage.
Dermatologists across North America and Europe recommend looking for formulas that combine filters—think octyl salicylate plus one or more strong UVA blockers. On drugstore shelves, high-SPF products often blend different filters for wider protection. It takes a closer look at the active ingredient list to make sure your sunscreen shields against both types of rays.
Having worked in outdoor settings for years, I relied on easy-to-apply sprays and gels, only to realize later that the ones with just octyl salicylate or similar didn’t do much for signs of aging. A dermatologist once told me the differences between a red burn on my nose and the slow darkening on my forearms—that both need different blockers. Many people still think any sunscreen will handle both, yet overexposure to UVA sneaks by because of half-solved formulas.
Education helps more than ingredients alone. Store staff and labels could do better at explaining which filters block what. Regulators and manufacturers share the responsibility to make ingredient lists and benefits clear. Until then, reading labels—choosing sunscreens with both UVB and UVA blockers—leads to healthier skin and more control for us all.
Walk down any drugstore aisle in summer and you'll spot sunscreen bottles boasting UV filters. Octyl Salicylate sits among them, helping shield skin from sun damage. It isn’t new—manufacturers have counted on it for decades because it absorbs UVB rays and helps protect formulas from breaking down in sunlight. Still, any ingredient that sticks around this long deserves a closer look, especially when it touches so many lives.
Octyl Salicylate rarely causes headlines, but some folks notice a bit of trouble after they use products containing it. Redness, itching, or a mild rash sometimes show up. These reactions stay on the mild side for most people, according to dermatology reports. Data from the American Contact Dermatitis Society lists this compound as less likely to spark allergies than classics like oxybenzone or avobenzone.
I’ve tried dozens of sunscreens over the years—some higher-end, some drugstore cheapies. I ran into mild stinging on freshly shaved skin and around my eyes from certain blends, especially if I reapplied after swimming. In a few cases, I swapped brands and the problem stopped. Patch testing cleared up the culprit. Turns out, a small number of people actually react more to fragrance or preservatives than to octyl salicylate itself.
Octyl Salicylate absorbs UV light, but it doesn’t block all rays. Without the help of other sunscreen buddies, it lets some sunlight sneak through. Combining it with other filters, like homosalate or octocrylene, gives more complete protection. Using one alone would tempt sunburn, especially for lighter skin.
Mixing skin care ingredients carries another risk. Blend acid-based exfoliants or vitamin C serums into your sun routine, and skin’s barrier grows weaker. This can open the door to irritation, sometimes leading folks to blame the sunscreen when the real culprit hides behind the extra actives.
So far, studies show that octyl salicylate doesn’t build up in the body at levels that trigger worry. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Cosmetics Regulation give it a green light for use up to 5% in sunscreen formulas. Researchers keep tabs on how these chemicals interact with skin and don’t see red flags for hormone disruption or major toxicity.
Peer-reviewed research supports this. A 2012 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported few significant side effects in routine use cases. Rare allergic reactions turned up, but they remained much lower than for other UV filters.
Regular sunscreen use lowers skin cancer rates and wards off sunburns, and ingredients like octyl salicylate help make this possible. Folks with very sensitive skin sometimes scout out mineral sunscreens for peace of mind—they use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead, which sit on top of the skin and cause less irritation for some.
If you’re worried about how your skin reacts to a product, try putting a small amount on your wrist or behind your ear for a day or two before fully switching. Kids, people with eczema, or anyone facing a burning sensation after sunscreen should talk to a dermatologist. No one should let fear of rare side effects get in the way of good sun protection, especially since options with clear ingredient labels offer safer choices for everyone.
Sunscreen shelves often feature Octyl Salicylate, sometimes listed as Ethylhexyl Salicylate. Its main job is to absorb UVB rays and stop sunburn. I started noticing it in lotions and sprays when I first researched how to protect sensitive skin. Many products include it because it helps keep their formulas from breaking down under sunlight.
Beach visits make you think twice about what washes off your skin. Coral reefs suffer from various sunscreen ingredients, especially oxybenzone and octinoxate. Octyl Salicylate doesn’t top those lists, but that doesn’t guarantee it’s harmless.
Scientific studies specific to Octyl Salicylate and coral reefs remain limited. Maui and Palau banned certain sunscreen chemicals, but Octyl Salicylate didn’t make those first waves of restrictions. Some early research hints it can disrupt aquatic organisms in higher concentrations. Fish and algae exposed in lab tests sometimes show lower growth rates or odd behaviors. The ocean mixes things up, so a drop of sunscreen isn’t the same as a petri dish, but the risk isn’t zero.
Manufacturing chemicals brings its own environmental footprint. Octyl Salicylate production starts with petrochemicals. Waste and emissions add pollution at the factory level. Break it down further—most sunscreen rinses off in the sea or ends up in wastewater after a shower. Traditional water treatment plants don’t completely remove many of these compounds, so traces can linger, flow into rivers, and settle in lakes.
Wildlife takes the hit. Even in low concentrations, some sunscreen ingredients disrupt the way small creatures reproduce or defend themselves against disease. Octyl Salicylate doesn’t act as potently as oxybenzone, but smaller effects over a long stretch of time can add up. Think of it as a slow drip, not a flood—but coral reefs run out of recovery time fast.
My own experience snorkeling in the Caribbean opened my eyes. Coral looked faded, and fish numbers were lower than expected. Local guides talked about sunscreen pollution as one culprit among many. The ocean needs protection so future generations can keep marveling at reefs, not just read about how vibrant they once were. People care about skin safety, but we also share responsibility for what we put on our bodies.
Dermatologists often recommend Octyl Salicylate for its low allergy risk. On land, that makes sense—sunburn can lead to skin cancer. From an ocean’s perspective, persistent chemical exposure stacks up, even if it rarely makes headlines.
Brands and shoppers willing to read ingredient lists play a role. Some companies switch to non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sidestep questions about chemical safety. Reef-friendly isn’t a regulated term, though, so real assurance comes from scientific reviews rather than green labels.
Researchers and advocacy organizations keep calling for stronger testing before new chemicals hit shelves. Governments can demand more rigorous eco-toxicity screening. On vacation, a simple rash guard or swim shirt reduces sunscreen use. Every sunscreen choice adds up, especially in places thousands of snorkelers visit every year.
Sun protection saves lives. Ocean health keeps sun-seekers coming back. Smarter choices about both suit everybody.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate |
| Other names |
2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Octisalate Ethylhexyl Salicylate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈɒk.tɪl səˈlɪ.sɪ.leɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 118-60-5 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **Octyl Salicylate**: ``` COC1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCCCCCCCC ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208733 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:131755 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2106429 |
| ChemSpider | 5656 |
| DrugBank | DB11196 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03c3597c-36b6-401a-962c-45e1c5c6f3f6 |
| EC Number | 204-263-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 82707 |
| KEGG | C14819 |
| MeSH | D017366 |
| PubChem CID | 5355130 |
| RTECS number | WA6475000 |
| UNII | DL5S5XJZ5Q |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C15H22O3 |
| Molar mass | 276.376 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid |
| Odor | Faint, characteristic |
| Density | 1.011 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 5.81 |
| Vapor pressure | <1 mm Hg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.7 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 15.98 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.0E-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.500 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 8-12 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 2.82 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 589.4 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -670.65 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | ΔcH⦵298 = –9378 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D02BA11 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| Flash point | 120°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 260°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 5,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >5000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | NIOSH: RG1880000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10.0% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Salicylic acid
Ethylhexyl salicylate Butyl salicylate Menthyl salicylate Isopentyl salicylate Amyl salicylate |
