Is Octisalate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Octisalate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
INCI name ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE. Also called Octyl Salicylate. CAS 118-60-5.
Other names: Octyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, 2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Is Octisalate banned in the EU?
| 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 |
What is Octisalate?
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.
Why is Octisalate used in personal-care products?
Provides UVB protection (295–315 nm) and helps stabilize avobenzone against photodegradation. Its light, emollient texture also improves sunscreen skin feel.
Is Octisalate dangerous? Documented risks
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.
Products that may contain Octisalate
- Coppertone Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen SprayCoppertone
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60La Roche-Posay
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 100Neutrogena
- Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 Sunscreen LotionCoppertone
- Banana Boat Ultra Sport SPF 50+ Sunscreen LotionBanana Boat
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 100La Roche-Posay
- Banana Boat Kids SPF 50+ Sunscreen StickBanana Boat
- Olay Regenerist Whip Light as Air Moisturizer SPF 25Olay
How to avoid Octisalate: safer alternatives
Ensulizole or homosalate as alternative UVB-only chemical filters.
Frequently asked questions about Octisalate
Is octisalate safe?
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.
What does octisalate protect against?
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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Sources
- FDA Sunscreen Drug Products for OTC Use — Proposed Monograph 2019 — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EWG Skin Deep: Octisalate — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.