We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cosmetic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Octinoxate?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 38,005
Share

Octinoxate is a chemical compound that is found in many different types of cosmetics and personal care products. Manufacturers derive this ingredient from petroleum by-products, then add it to makeup, lotion and moisturizers. While octinoxate offers numerous benefits in terms of sun protection, it also poses some potential health risks which are not well understood by the public. Despite its potential risks, this compound remains a widely used ingredient for adding sun protection to common skin care and grooming products.

To make octinoxate, scientists mix sulfuric acid with methanol, a petroleum by-product. When heat is applied to this mixture, the ingredients undergo a permanent chemical reaction, resulting in a compound which is insoluble in water. This compound, known by the scientific name ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, is more commonly referred to as octinoxate.

This ingredient can be found in the majority of sunscreen products on the markets, including lotions, creams, sticks and sprays. It is also added to cosmetics, such as foundation or lipstick, where it helps to protect the wearer against sun damage. This component is also used in many moisturizers, body care products and standard cosmetics, where it often serves as the primary active ingredients in these products. It is also sometimes mixed with a similar compound known as oxybenzone in order to increase its effectiveness.

When used in personal care products and cosmetics, octinoxate primarily serves as a sun protectant. It blocks both UVA and UVB rays, though it offers much greater protection against the latter. By protecting the skin from sun damage, this ingredient helps to prevent DNA changes that could contribute to skin cancer. It also reduces wrinkles and keeps skin looking younger and healthier. For some individuals, products containing sun protectant agents like octinoxate may also reduce dark spots, freckles, and other signs of sun damage and aging.

Despite its many advantages, octinoxate also poses some risks. Some users may develop allergies to this ingredient, which may prevent them from coming into contact with this compound. This ingredient is also a hormone or endocrine disrupter, which means that it may negatively impact the health of an unborn fetus. Like other petroleum-based sun protectants, this compound may build up in the body over time, leading to the potential for future health problems. Finally, as octinoxate is washed into the ocean or other water bodies, it may pose a threat to wildlife in terms of pollution and endocrine disruption.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon306425 — On Nov 29, 2012

I have been using "Bain de Soleil" for 45 years. I liked it then, and still like it now. I use it every day on my face as a moisturizer. No damage done.

Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-octinoxate.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.