2-Ethylhexyl salicylate also known as octisalate or octyl salicylate, is an organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UVB (ultraviolet) rays from the sun.[1] It is an ester formed by the condensation of salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. It is a colorless oily liquid with a slight floral odor.
The salicylate portion of the molecule absorbs ultraviolet light, protecting skin from the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight. The ethylhexanol portion is a fatty alcohol, adding emollient and oil-like (water resistant) properties.
Safety
Octyl salicylate and all other salicylates have a good safety profile.[2] It is often used to improve affinity and reduce photodegradation of other sunscreen ingredients (such as oxybenzone and avobenzone), and under 1% of the applied dose of octyl salicylate penetrates through the skin. Although more stable, octyl salicylate is a weak organic UVB absorber.[3]
Octyl salicylate does not produce reactive oxygen species when exposed to sunlight. However, it does have some minor sensitization potential; with some individuals experiencing minimal to mild skin irritation.[4]
Notes
- ^ Skin cancer foundation: Understanding UVA and UVB
- ^ Rai, Reena; Srinivas, CR (2007). "Photoprotection". Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 73 (2): 73–79. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.31889. PMID 17456910.
- ^ Ma, Haohua; Wang, Jianqiang; Zhang, Wenpei; Guo, Cheng (2021). "Synthesis of phenylalanine and leucine dipeptide functionalized silica-based nanoporous material as a safe UV filter for sunscreen". Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology. 97 (2): 466–478. doi:10.1007/s10971-020-05417-6. S2CID 221937086.
- ^ Yap, Francis HX; Chua, Hock C.; Tait, Clare P. (10 March 2017). "Active sunscreen ingredients in Australia". Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 58 (4): e160–e170. doi:10.1111/ajd.12597. PMID 28295176. S2CID 32838625.
References
- "The Skin Cancer Foundation's Guide to Sunscreens". Skin Cancer Foundation. 2011. Archived from the original on 23 November 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
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