Rate My SPF

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

What Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is & what it does

A strong, inexpensive UVB filter (octinoxate) found in a huge number of sunscreens worldwide. It is photo-unstable on its own and degrades faster when combined with avobenzone, so formulas rely on stabilizers to hold protection over a day of sun.

What is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (octinoxate)?

It is octinoxate, one of the most common chemical UVB sunscreen filters worldwide, used to protect against the burning wavelengths of sunlight.

Is octinoxate a UVA or UVB filter?

Octinoxate is a UVB filter. It does little for UVA, so it is combined with UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection.

Is octinoxate safe, and is it reef-safe?

It is an approved filter considered safe as directed, though it is among the more-absorbed filters and has some hormone-related research debate. It is also restricted in places like Hawaii over coral-reef concerns, so "reef-safe" products leave it out.

Is octinoxate natural?

No, octinoxate is a synthetic UV filter. It is loosely based on cinnamate chemistry found in plants, but the sunscreen ingredient is manufactured, not extracted. It is approved, though it is one of the more debated filters on absorption and reef grounds.

Is octinoxate safe to use during pregnancy?

Octinoxate has no proven harm in pregnancy, but it is one of the more-absorbed filters and the one most discussed for hormone activity, so it is among the filters many people choose to avoid while pregnant in favour of mineral sunscreens. There is no proof of harm; if you want to be cautious, a mineral sunscreen is the easy switch. Your doctor can advise.

Sunscreens with Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

We rate 2814 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients