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Ethylhexyl Salicylate

What Ethylhexyl Salicylate is & what it does

A gentle UVB filter, also called octisalate, prized for being water-resistant and for helping dissolve avobenzone so it stays evenly distributed in the film. It contributes modest protection but improves the wear and stability of the whole filter system.

What is Ethylhexyl Salicylate (octisalate)?

It is octisalate, a gentle, oil-soluble UVB chemical sunscreen filter. It is also a good solvent for other filters (like avobenzone), so it does double duty in many formulas.

Is octisalate a UVA or UVB filter?

Octisalate is a UVB filter. It covers the burning wavelengths but little UVA, so it is paired with UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection.

Is Ethylhexyl Salicylate safe?

Yes. It is a long-established filter with low skin penetration and a low irritation rate, and it is approved for sunscreen use in the US, EU and elsewhere.

Is octisalate natural?

No, octisalate is a synthetic UV filter. It belongs to the salicylate family (salicylates occur in plants like willow), but the sunscreen ingredient itself is lab-made. It is a long-established, low-irritation filter.

Is octisalate safe to use during pregnancy?

Octisalate is a long-established filter with low skin penetration and no proven pregnancy harm. Some people still prefer mineral sunscreens during pregnancy for total peace of mind, but octisalate itself is not a known risk. Your doctor can confirm what is right for you.

Sunscreens with Ethylhexyl Salicylate

We rate 3164 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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