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Answer: Octisalate is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 100, Coppertone Sport SPF 50, Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70.
TL;DR: Octisalate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE. Also called Octyl Salicylate. CAS 118-60-5.
Other names: Octyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, 2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 100, Coppertone Sport SPF 50, Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 |
| CAS number | 118-60-5 |
Octisalate (INCI: Ethylhexyl Salicylate) is an oil-soluble UVB-absorbing chemical sunscreen active. It is primarily used as a UVB filter and photostabilizer for avobenzone.
Provides UVB protection (295–315 nm) and helps stabilize avobenzone against photodegradation. Its light, emollient texture also improves sunscreen skin feel.
Octisalate is FDA-approved at up to 5% and EU-permitted at up to 5%. It has a good safety record and low sensitization rate. The 2019 FDA absorption study detected systemic absorption above the 0.5 ng/mL threshold, warranting further study. This does not indicate known harm. It is a salicylate; those with aspirin sensitivity should note the structural relationship, though reactions are rare.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Octisalatewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Ensulizole or homosalate as alternative UVB-only chemical filters.
At FDA-approved concentrations, octisalate has a good safety record. FDA's absorption finding calls for more data but does not indicate danger — the recommendation to use sunscreen remains unchanged.
UVB rays only. It must be combined with a UVA filter (like avobenzone or zinc oxide) for broad-spectrum sun protection.
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