Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) 100 g

Oil-Soluble UVB Filter for Sunscreen & Cosmetic Formulations

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, commonly known as Octinoxate or Octyl Methoxycinnamate, is an organic UV filter used in sunscreen and cosmetic formulations to absorb primarily UVB radiation.

It is an oil-soluble ingredient commonly incorporated into:

• Sunscreen creams
• Sunscreen lotions
• Daily facial products with SPF
• BB and CC creams
• Foundations with sun protection
• Lip-care products
• Hand-care products
• Selected UV-protective cosmetic formulations

It should be used only according to the cosmetic regulations applicable in the target market.

What Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate?

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic cinnamate-type UV filter.

INCI Name: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Alternative Names: Octinoxate / Octyl Methoxycinnamate / OMC
CAS Number: 5466-77-3
Chemical Formula: C18H26O3
Primary Function: UVB Filter
Form: Typically Clear to Pale Yellow Oily Liquid
Solubility: Oil Soluble / Practically Insoluble in Water

It is incorporated primarily into the oil phase of cosmetic emulsions.

UVB Protection

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs mainly UVB radiation.

UVB radiation is strongly associated with:

• Sunburn
• Erythema
• Direct UV-related skin damage

For this reason, Octinoxate is used as one component of sunscreen systems.

Not a Complete Broad-Spectrum Filter

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate should not be considered a complete UVA + UVB sunscreen system by itself.

Its protection is primarily in the UVB range.

For broad-spectrum products, formulators normally combine it with suitable UVA and/or additional UVB filters according to local legislation.

Possible filter systems may contain other permitted ingredients selected according to:

• Target SPF
• UVA protection target
• Photostability
• Solubility
• Sensory profile
• Regulatory requirements

Use in Sunscreen Formulations

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate can be incorporated into:

• Sunscreen emulsions
• Facial SPF creams
• Body sunscreens
• Sun-care lotions
• Lip products
• Makeup with SPF claims

It is normally added through the oil phase.

European Union Maximum Concentration

Under the current EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is permitted as a UV filter at up to:

10% in the finished cosmetic product.

The SCCS has also concluded that it is safe as a UV filter at concentrations up to 10% in specified sunscreen, face, hand and lip products, based on the evaluated conditions of use.

Regulatory requirements can change, so always verify the rules of the target market before commercial production.

Typical Formulation Levels

A formulation may use Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate at levels such as:

Approximately 2–10%

depending on:

• Target SPF
• Other UV filters
• Product type
• Regulatory limit
• Solubility requirements
• Finished-product testing

The percentage of one UV filter does not directly determine the final SPF.

You Cannot Calculate SPF from the Percentage Alone

For example, it is not technically correct to assume:

5% Octinoxate = SPF 15

or

10% Octinoxate = SPF 30

SPF depends on the complete formulation, including:

• Filter combination
• Film formation
• Product distribution on skin
• Emulsion structure
• Photostability
• Filter interactions
• Application amount

The finished product must be tested using appropriate standardized SPF methods.

UVA Protection Must Also Be Evaluated

Because Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate primarily absorbs UVB radiation, a commercial broad-spectrum sunscreen generally requires additional UVA protection.

Finished products should be evaluated for:

• SPF
• UVA protection
• Critical wavelength where applicable
• Photostability
• Water resistance if claimed

according to the regulations of the target market.

Use in Daily Skincare Products

Octinoxate may be incorporated into regulated daily skincare products such as:

• Day creams
• Facial lotions
• Moisturizers with SPF
• Hand creams with sun protection

However, the presence of the ingredient alone does not justify a sunscreen claim.

The complete finished product must meet the applicable regulatory and efficacy requirements.

Use in Makeup

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is also used in products such as:

• Foundation
• BB cream
• CC cream
• Tinted moisturizers
• Lip products

where permitted by local regulations.

It can be incorporated into the oil phase of these formulations.

Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate Suitable for Soap?

Traditional soap is not an appropriate format for making reliable sunscreen claims.

Cold process soap is:

• Strongly alkaline during manufacturing
• A rinse-off product
• In contact with skin for only a short period
• Not designed to leave a uniform protective UV-filter film

Therefore, adding Octinoxate to soap does not mean the soap provides a measurable or reliable SPF.

Products should not be marketed as:

“SPF soap”

or

“UV-protective soap”

without appropriate evidence and regulatory authorization.

Cold Process Soap

Use in traditional cold process soap is generally not recommended as the primary application for this specialty UV filter.

The manufacturing process exposes ingredients to:

• High alkalinity
• Heat
• Saponification conditions

and the final product is rinsed from the skin.

This makes sunscreen creams, lotions and leave-on products much more appropriate applications.

Melt & Pour Soap

Although small experimental additions may technically be possible in some melt and pour systems, this still does not convert the finished soap into a validated sunscreen.

Additional oily ingredients may also influence:

• Bar hardness
• Transparency
• Lather
• Sweating
• Product stability

Always test compatibility with the soap base.

UV Stabilization of Cosmetic Formulations

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate may also be used at lower concentrations in certain cosmetic formulations as a UV stabilizer, helping protect the formulation itself against light exposure.

The SCCS has considered lower-level UV-stabilizer use safe under the evaluated conditions.

This function should not be confused with providing sunscreen protection to the consumer.

Oil Solubility

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an oil-soluble ingredient.

It can typically be incorporated with compatible:

• Cosmetic esters
• Emollients
• Vegetable oils
• Oil-soluble UV filters

In an emulsion, it is generally incorporated into the oil phase.

Not Water Soluble

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is not a conventional water-soluble cosmetic ingredient.

For water-based formulations, an appropriate:

• Emulsion
• Solubilization system
• Delivery system

is required.

pH Information

Because pure Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an essentially anhydrous oily liquid, statements such as:

pH 5.0–7.0

are not particularly meaningful for the raw material.

The pH of the complete water-containing finished product should instead be measured and adjusted.

Photostability

UV-filter systems should always be evaluated for photostability.

The performance of a sunscreen depends not only on initial UV absorption but also on how the complete filter system behaves after exposure to sunlight.

For this reason, professional sunscreen formulations frequently use carefully selected combinations of UV filters and stabilizing ingredients.

Product Details

Product Name: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
INCI Name: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Alternative Name: Octinoxate / Octyl Methoxycinnamate
CAS Number: 5466-77-3
Chemical Formula: C18H26O3
Weight: 100 g
Typical Form: Clear to Pale Yellow Oily Liquid
Primary Function: UVB Filter
Solubility: Oil Soluble
Applications: Sunscreen, Skincare, Makeup and Selected Cosmetic Formulations

Purity

Only describe the material as:

100% Pure Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

if this is confirmed by the actual supplier COA.

For professional production, always check:

• COA
• SDS
• Technical Data Sheet
• Purity
• Identification
• Regulatory status
• Storage conditions

for the supplied batch.

Regulatory Considerations

UV filters are regulated ingredients.

The permitted concentration and allowed product types can differ between:

• European Union
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Türkiye
• Gulf countries
• Asian markets
• Other export markets

For example, current EU rules allow Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate up to 10% as a UV filter.

The United States currently has a different regulatory framework and FDA continues to evaluate the GRASE status of Octinoxate under its OTC sunscreen system.

Always formulate according to the regulations of the intended sales market.

Sunscreen Testing

A commercial sunscreen formulation should undergo appropriate finished-product testing.

Depending on the market and claims, this may include:

• SPF testing
• UVA protection testing
• Broad-spectrum testing
• Photostability testing
• Water-resistance testing
• Stability testing
• Microbiological testing
• Packaging compatibility

The raw material alone cannot guarantee an SPF value.

Safety Information

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is a professional cosmetic raw material.

During handling:

• Avoid direct eye contact.
• Avoid ingestion.
• Wear appropriate gloves during professional handling.
• Keep packaging tightly closed.
• Follow the supplier SDS.
• Follow target-market concentration limits.
• Evaluate the complete finished formulation before commercial use.

Storage

Store Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate:

• In tightly closed packaging
• In a cool and dry place
• Protected from direct sunlight
• Away from excessive heat
• Protected from contamination

UV-filter raw materials should be protected from unnecessary light exposure during storage.

Wholesale, Private Label & Contract Manufacturing

We also supply Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, UV filters, cosmetic emollients, antioxidants and other formulation raw materials in wholesale quantities for cosmetic brands, laboratories, manufacturers and professional formulators.

In addition to raw material supply, we provide private label and contract manufacturing services for skincare creams, lotions, facial products and selected sun-care formulations, subject to the regulatory requirements of the target market.

Custom products can be developed with different UV-filter systems, emollients, botanical ingredients, antioxidants, textures, fragrances, packaging formats and private label designs.

For bulk Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate orders, private label products or contract manufacturing, please contact us with your required quantity, intended market, product concept, target SPF, packaging requirements and estimated production volume.