Is Octinoxate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Octinoxate is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
INCI name Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate. CAS 5466-77-3.
Is Octinoxate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | sunscreen, SPF moisturizer, foundation |
| CAS number | 5466-77-3 |
What is Octinoxate?
Octinoxate is an organic UVB filter (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate).
Why is Octinoxate used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is Octinoxate dangerous? Documented risks
A suspected endocrine disruptor; the EU restricts its concentration and reef regions ban it, but it remains common in US sunscreens.
Products that may contain Octinoxate
- Dove Intense Repair ShampooDove
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum SunscreenEltaMD
- Olay Regenerist Whip Light as Air Moisturizer SPF 25Olay
- Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30Aveeno
- Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50Neutrogena
- Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream SPF 30Maybelline
How to avoid Octinoxate: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Octinoxate
Is Octinoxate banned in the EU?
Octinoxate is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Octinoxate in US cosmetics?
Yes — Octinoxate can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Octinoxate?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Octinoxate automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Octinoxate?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Octinoxate.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Octinoxate or other ingredients banned overseas.
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Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.