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Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene

What Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is & what it does

A powerful photostabilizer (Solastay) that protects avobenzone and other filters from degrading in sunlight, extending protection. It supports durable broad-spectrum SPF.

What is Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene and what does it do in sunscreen?

Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene is a photostabilizer, sold under the trade name Solastay, that protects other UV filters from breaking down in sunlight. It is especially used to keep avobenzone stable so it keeps absorbing UVA over time. By preventing filter degradation it helps a sunscreen deliver more durable broad-spectrum protection.

Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene a UV filter?

Not exactly. It is a photostabilizer rather than a primary sunscreen filter, so it is not what blocks UV on its own. Its job is to absorb and dissipate energy that would otherwise degrade filters like avobenzone, keeping them working longer. Think of it as a helper that protects the protection.

Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene safe?

Yes, it is regarded as a well-tolerated ingredient used at small levels in sunscreens. It is oil-soluble, stays in the formula doing its stabilizing job, and is not a common irritant or sensitizer. As with any sunscreen ingredient, anyone with very reactive skin can patch test first.

Does Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene clog pores?

Generally no. It is used in small amounts as a stabilizer rather than as a heavy emollient, so it is not a typical pore-clogging concern. If you are breaking out, the richer oils and waxes in a formula are far more likely the cause than a photostabilizer.

Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene natural?

No, it is a synthetic ingredient made in a lab specifically to photostabilize sunscreen filters. It does not occur in nature, and that is by design, since it was engineered to keep filters like avobenzone from degrading in sunlight. Synthetic here simply describes its origin, not a safety problem.

Sunscreens with Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene

We rate 148 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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