People have sought ways to protect skin from the sun since ancient times, using plant oils, pastes, or clothing. In the early twentieth century, researchers started digging into chemical options, aiming to find molecules that absorb ultraviolet light. In that era, salicylic acid derivatives began catching the eyes of scientists working on sun protection, outpacing folk remedies and awkward zinc pastes that stained everything. Ethylhexyl salicylate walked onto the scene by the 1940s, thanks to chemical innovation in Europe as war, leisure, and new medical knowledge all pushed for better sunlight defense. Companies quickly picked up on the compound’s UVB-blocking edge. Today, bottles of sunscreen from pharmacy shelves to luxury skincare counters contain this ingredient, building on decades of real-world use.
Ethylhexyl salicylate acts as an organic sunscreens agent, slotting into SPF formulas for facial creams, body lotions, and lip balms. You spot its name on ingredient lists alongside broad-spectrum protectors like avobenzone. Products using this compound promise to fend off sunburn and provide some stability to sunscreen mixtures. Formulators prefer it because it blends well with emollients, letting manufacturers develop products that feel pleasant on the skin, less greasy than older ointments, and more reliable under real-world use—beach sweat, daily commutes, and gardening afternoons.
Ethylhexyl salicylate sits as a clear, slightly yellow liquid at room temperature. It gives off a mild, sometimes sweet scent, which can be a bonus or a drawback depending on the product target. This substance dissolves easily in oils and organic solvents, while water barely budges it—a factor crucial for its value in waterproof sunscreens and lotions designed to stick during long days outdoors. Its melting point hovers far below freezing, and its boiling point stretches above most processing temperatures. Chemical formulas put it at C15H22O3, pointing to its roots as an ester of salicylic acid joined to a branched chain alcohol.
Producers carry out strict purity checks on batches, ensuring levels above 98% for cosmetic use, since impurities trigger skin reactions or product instability. Most regulatory agencies require precise labeling of ethylhexyl salicylate content, typically limiting concentrations between 5% and 8% depending on jurisdiction. U.S. FDA and European Union set clear cutoffs, guiding manufacturers on what’s considered a safe amount per application. Sunscreens list its INCI name—Ethylhexyl Salicylate—or synonym names, to meet transparency goals for consumers and regulators alike. Quality standards match international norms, with ISO and national pharmacopeias setting testing routines for every batch.
Making ethylhexyl salicylate usually starts with salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, reacting these raw goods under heat and an acid catalyst. Factories drive off the resulting water, streamlining production with distillation steps until they get the desired ester in high purity form. Modern plants use closed systems to reduce emissions, reclaim solvents, and limit worker exposure. Careful control of the reaction time and temperature helps maximize yield and quality, keeping waste to a minimum. After synthesis, the product undergoes filtration, polishing, and bottling, ready for cosmetic or industrial blending.
Ethylhexyl salicylate stands up well to light and temperature, but it can break down under intense UV or oxygen atmospheres over time—something that chemists handle by tweaking formulas and adding stabilizers. It can react further in the lab, yielding modified esters that shift solubility or compatibility with other ingredients. Some researchers experiment with new chains or substitutions on the benzene ring, always with the aim to fine-tune UV absorbance or minimize allergic responses. These kinds of adjustments lead to tailored sunscreens for different skin types or environmental exposures.
Ethylhexyl salicylate travels under a few names, depending on product and region. The INCI system adopts ‘Ethylhexyl Salicylate’, while technical documents and European ingredient lists stick with ‘Octyl Salicylate’. Chemists sometimes call it ‘2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate’ or refer to its CAS number. Brand labeling may showcase trade names, especially when offered as a specialty ingredient from major suppliers. No matter the name, users expect consistent performance.
Worker safety in handling ethylhexyl salicylate depends on good ventilation, eye and skin protection, and regular training. The compound has a low acute toxicity but can irritate sensitive skin or eyes in pure form, so workers keep spills off their hands and wear basics like nitrile gloves and splash goggles during production. Facilities follow local environmental rules for air and wastewater releases, ensuring residues or breakdown products don’t enter waterways or air. Finished products for consumers undergo rigorous dermatological testing—no one wants a sunscreen that trades sunburn for a rash.
Ethylhexyl salicylate finds its main stage in personal care, starring in sun creams, moisturizers, makeup, and lip balms needing UVB defense. It also appears in hair products seeking to fend off color-fading from summer sun, and sometimes odor-masking formulas. Outside cosmetics, a handful of technical uses show up—certain inks, plastics, or coatings looking for light stabilization tap into this ingredient’s affinity for UV absorption, tapping into the same principles that protect skin.
Ongoing research digs into methods to increase stability under sunlight—since everyone wants their sunscreen to work all afternoon, not just on the first beach application. Labs studying photochemistry hunt for ways to slow breakdown and reduce potential byproducts. Academic groups run skin penetration tests, using new tools to see how deep the ester moves into skin or how long it lingers. Industry teams mix ethylhexyl salicylate with other UV filters, both to broaden protection and find unique selling points for next-season’s SPF launches. The interplay between older chemical filters like this one and blockbuster ‘mineral’ options shapes how products get crafted and marketed.
Toxicity questions never fully fade for ingredients steeped in daily use. Animal testing decades back revealed low risks at consumer exposure, but newer work digs deeper into chronic effects, bioaccumulation, and subtle endocrine changes. Surveys of human patch tests show occasional sensitivity, mostly among those prone to allergies or dermatitis. Regulatory reviews in major markets reaffirm allowable use but set tight purity standards, looking for any sign of contaminants or unintentional breakdown products. Consumer and environmental groups push for transparency on long-term ecological effects, prompting some makers to tweak formulas or invest in new disposal research.
Emerging trends in sunscreen echo calls for broader safety, environmental responsibility, and consumer trust. Ethylhexyl salicylate will ride out this wave by evolving—companies look at greener synthesis methods, plant-based feedstocks, or biodegradable alternatives that keep skin shielded and waterways clear. I’ve watched formulators invest in better stability, less skin irritation, and easier mixing with ‘clean’ or vegan branding. Sustainable sourcing, refillable packaging, and transparent ingredient disclosure all shape the years ahead, with new regulations likely to set higher hurdles for both safety and eco-friendliness. Researchers keep searching for the next improvement—maybe it comes from a tweak in the molecular backbone, or from a blend that pairs this old reliable with fresh discoveries from the chemistry bench.
Most people have picked up a bottle of sunscreen, scanned the ingredients, and noticed unfamiliar names like “ethylhexyl salicylate.” I remember as a parent, checking labels for anything that sounded safe, and this one always popped out. It’s not just a string of scientific syllables; ethylhexyl salicylate plays a big part in how well sunscreens defend skin from sunlight.
Ethylhexyl salicylate shows up in plenty of sunscreen formulas as a UVB absorber. Sunlight brings more than just warmth; ultraviolet rays, especially UVB, are notorious for causing sunburn, speeding up skin aging, and raising the risk of skin cancer. By including ethylhexyl salicylate, manufacturers increase protection against burning rays that affect people of all skin tones. Skin cancer remains the most common type in many countries, according to health authorities like the American Cancer Society, so using products with this ingredient isn’t just about comfort — it matters for long-term health.
Over years of trying different sunscreens, some felt greasy, some left a white film, others washed away after a quick swim. Ethylhexyl salicylate helps cut down these frustrations. It acts as an “oil-soluble” filter, which means it mixes well with the other ingredients that form the base of most lotions and sprays. This keeps sunscreens light, non-sticky, and easy to wear for hours on bare skin. It also supports stability so your product doesn’t lose effectiveness after a few months in a hot closet.
The personal care market includes many other uses for this ingredient. Ethylhexyl salicylate blends into items like lip balms, makeup with SPF, and even some hair products. Walking around in sunny cities, I’ve noticed how many people try to stay protected without looking or feeling greasy. That’s where it earns its spot in so many mainstream brands.
People often question the long chemical names found in cosmetics. Ethylhexyl salicylate has a strong track record supported by independent safety panels, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and international counterparts in the EU and Asia. In usual concentrations (up to 5% by weight in formula), these panels back its safe use. Some researchers keep a close eye on potential allergic reactions, but reports remain rare compared to more commonly irritating sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone.
Concerns about environmental impact lead to stricter scrutiny. Studies track what happens as sunscreen washes off into oceans and rivers. Ethylhexyl salicylate breaks down relatively quickly in nature, but ongoing work from scientists and regulators seeks to keep both people and ecosystems safer. Consumer demand for “reef safe” and biodegradable formulas pushes manufacturers to double check their sourcing and formulation — this leads to a wider variety of effective, less harmful sunscreens on the shelves.
Looking out for ingredients like ethylhexyl salicylate in sunscreens keeps us more informed. Manufacturers expand testing, refine formulations, and shift toward transparency because the public asks for it. My own habit, picked up over years in the sun, involves reading the ingredient list and knowing what each compound does. Choosing a product with balanced filters, including ethylhexyl salicylate, gives both peace of mind and better skin health outcomes for families. Reliable protection doesn’t depend on mystery — it comes from science, demand for clear information, and ongoing improvement from the industry.
Ethylhexyl salicylate goes by the name octyl salicylate on many sunscreen labels. It acts as a chemical UV filter, especially for UVB rays—the ones that cause sunburn. Many big-name sunscreens rely on this ingredient to boost their sun protection. People might not recognize it right away, but anyone using sunscreen—spray, cream, stick, or gel—most likely puts ethylhexyl salicylate on their skin regularly. Its main job is pretty straightforward: absorb UVB and keep skin safer from the burn and damage that exposure brings.
The safety of any skincare ingredient draws a lot of questions. With all the rumors and social media hype about chemicals in sunscreens, people get worried—rightly so. Hard facts help. Scientists and dermatologists have researched ethylhexyl salicylate for decades. Large regulatory groups like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) reviewed the evidence. Both groups still approve it for regular use in sunscreens at concentrations up to 5% in the United States and up to 5% in Europe. They rely on independent data, not just cosmetic industry claims.
Allergic reactions to the ingredient rarely show up in practice. Most published incidents report only mild irritation and those are uncommon. People with super-sensitive skin, who react to other salicylates like aspirin or to perfumed products, sometimes notice redness or itching. Patch testing with a dermatologist provides peace of mind if that’s been an issue before.
Sunscreen chemophobia spreads faster than facts on TikTok. Some blogs claim that ethylhexyl salicylate disrupts hormones or harms coral reefs. Most of these claims don’t line up with peer-reviewed studies. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) sometimes gives scary grades to chemical sunscreens, but it bases reports more on policy angles than actual toxicology. I try new sunscreens each summer as someone prone to sunburn, and trust the science, not the hashtags. Peer-reviewed literature and board-certified dermatologists agree: used as directed, ethylhexyl salicylate remains one of the safer ways to block sunburn and premature aging.
Communities where skin cancer climbs each year need more solid sun safety, not fewer choices. Dermatology societies urge everyone—kids, light and dark skin, outdoor workers, weekend athletes—to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Skipping ingredients like ethylhexyl salicylate only narrows options for consumers and doesn’t deliver new benefits. Getting folks to pick and stick with any sunscreen matters far more than which specific UV filters a product uses, as long as what’s inside has safety approval and evidence behind it.
Patch-test any new skincare product, especially for sensitive skin or allergies. Look at SPF and broad-spectrum coverage before worrying about any one compound. If you still feel uneasy, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide represent proven safe alternatives. For most people, ethylhexyl salicylate does its job: absorbing UVB, reducing sun damage, and making regular sunscreen use feel easy and non-greasy. No magic but no scare stories either—only common-sense sun care grounded in research and experience.
Most face creams and sunscreens at the drugstore shelf seem pretty similar. Turn that bottle over, check the back, and "ethylhexyl salicylate" probably pops up a lot. Not a word anyone likely uses at the beach. So, what's it really doing? The short answer: it's there to help protect skin from the sun, working as a chemical sunscreen ingredient.
Lots of confusion floats around the difference between “chemical” and “mineral” sunscreens. The heart of it lies in how these ingredients deal with UV rays. Chemical options—including ethylhexyl salicylate—absorb UV radiation right in the outer layer of skin, turn it into something harmless like heat, and then release it. In contrast, mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide mostly sit on top of skin and reflect rays away. I've always leaned on mineral choices for sensitive skin days, but sometimes chemical ones spread easier and feel less greasy.
Looking at this specific compound, labs have found it absorbs UVB rays—the rays responsible for sunburn and bigger risks like skin cancer. It’s been around for decades, used in Europe and the US. Sounds pretty straightforward, but it doesn’t work well by itself. On its own, ethylhexyl salicylate doesn’t cover the whole range of damaging UV rays. That’s why it almost always lands in formulas with other chemical filters, like avobenzone or octocrylene, which fill in the gaps.
Most everyday sunscreens, especially ones designed for lighter texture, use chemical ingredients because they don’t leave white residue and absorb quickly. People want a sunscreen they’ll actually use all summer, so ease of wear makes a big difference.
Ethylhexyl salicylate has found a place in many parts of the world’s product lineups. Health agencies like the EU’s SCCS and the US FDA have reviewed its safety over the years. Studies have shown most people do not have allergies or irritation from it, and the amount allowed in these products is regulated for safety. Of course, some folks react better to mineral screens or just don’t like chemical filters—they might worry about trace absorption or have very sensitive skin.
One of the challenges with chemical filters, including ethylhexyl salicylate, comes from how people use sunscreen. In my experience, folks often apply too little or forget to reapply after swimming or sweating. That applies no matter which ingredient sits in the bottle. Clear, honest communication matters. Brands could do better by explaining how much sunscreen to use and who specific products suit best. Campaigns that actually show how to apply a full ounce every couple of hours make more sense than just a small-print warning.
Another potential solution involves pushing for continued safety research. People have a right to products that work and won’t harm them, especially if used every day. Staying informed, reading ingredients, and checking advice from trusted dermatologists keeps the power in the hands of regular shoppers.
Strolling through the sunscreen aisle, long ingredients lists meet most shoppers. Ethylhexyl Salicylate pops up over and over, promoted for its UVB protection. This chemical filter, also known as Octyl Salicylate, keeps skin safe from the sun’s burns and some early signs of aging. Still, many wonder if this sun-shield comes with a hidden trap: allergic reactions. Growing up with sensitive skin, minor burns and occasional rashes were nothing new, so curiosity came fast after my first glance at this name.
Most people use products with Ethylhexyl Salicylate without trouble. It gets absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave sticky residue, which makes it a favorite in lightweight formulas. For those with especially reactive skin, concerns come in. Every substance—from chamomile to zinc—can set off irritation in someone, somewhere. The American Contact Dermatitis Society tracks ingredients that trouble consumers. Their reports don’t put Ethylhexyl Salicylate at the top of the watchlist, but isolated cases of redness, itching, or slight swelling appear in research journals. Most reactions stay rare, especially compared to fragrances or preservatives.
Skin specialists, drawing from both studies and patient stories, flag a few risk factors. People with eczema, chronic hives, or ongoing allergic histories raise the likelihood of problems. Children, with thinner skin and less mature body defenses, might feel a sting more than adults. Adding this sunscreen to skin already inflamed by other rashes sometimes pushes it over the edge.
A lesson from years of avoiding mystery rashes: patch testing helps. Dabbing a small amount of the new sunscreen inside the elbow, waiting forty-eight hours, and watching for flare-ups lays worries to rest. Dermatologists follow similar routines before recommending products to highly sensitive patients. It may sound ordinary, but learning how your own skin reacts teaches more than generic advice from a bottle label. One patient’s story can mean more than a whole stack of manufacturer claims.
Regulators, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission, don’t classify Ethylhexyl Salicylate as a major allergen. The Environmental Working Group places it at the moderate end of the safety scale. Scientific reports typically describe localized, mild reactions in a handful of susceptible people. Chronic issues or hospital-level emergencies are nearly unheard of, as long as the product is used as intended.
Plenty of smooth, burn-free skin comes from smart personal choices. Reading ingredient labels, choosing fragrance-free formulas, and introducing new products slowly offer concrete steps for anyone worried about allergic reactions. Consulting a dermatologist helps, too, especially for those with past troubles or unpredictable skin. Instead of seeing every chemical filter as a threat, focus lands on balance: sun protection ranks as a core daily need, and understanding ingredient risks empowers people to use it well. Knowledge from science, doctors, and individual experience all come together in the choices made at home, on the beach, and at the pharmacy shelf.
Ethylhexyl salicylate shows up in a lot of sunscreens and skincare. It helps block UVB rays and keeps skin from burning. It looks almost invisible on the skin and doesn’t feel greasy or heavy, so many brands use it in lightweight sun care. Most dermatologists find it works well for the majority of people, including those who want to avoid a white cast.
If you have sensitive skin, ingredient lists start to matter a lot. Having had eczema and random allergic flare-ups myself, I double-check every label, always on the lookout for things that could set off the burning, itching, or redness. Ethylhexyl salicylate doesn’t usually top the list of big triggers, but anyone who tends to flush or react needs to know what to expect.
Unlike mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, the salicylate family comes from chemical synthesis. Their job is to absorb UV and keep rays from hitting living skin layers. These agents do their work well, but some, including ethylhexyl salicylate, can dissolve oils and enhance penetration. So a person with impaired skin—think eczema, rosacea, or barrier damage—has a slightly higher risk of stinging and reactions.
Most large clinical trials report allergic reactions with salicylates are rare. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety limits its use to 5% concentration in products, and so far, published safety data doesn’t show a link with long-term problems like hormone disruption or cancer. From a safety point of view, this ingredient scores low for irritation on most lists—especially when compared with some other sunscreen ingredients, like oxybenzone or avobenzone.
In my experience and from reading feedback in online eczema communities, ethylhexyl salicylate feels milder than some chemical filters, but people with highly sensitive skin still sometimes report burning or tingling. Much of that depends on the total formula. Brands often pair it with other chemical filters, fragrances, or alcohols, all of which add to the irritation load. One sunscreen might feel fine, another with a similar filter can sting if other ingredients add up. Personal patch testing, even with well-reviewed products, saves a lot of pain for sensitive types.
For people with really reactive skin, dermatologists usually suggest mineral-only sunscreens. Mineral-based options like zinc oxide physically block rays and tend not to burn or sting on irritated skin. These leave a white cast and can feel heavier, but the payoff comes through their safety record for hypersensitive people. I use mineral sunscreen on flare-up days and switch to chemical ones, including ethylhexyl salicylate, when my skin’s baseline is calm.
Product labeling needs more clarity. “For sensitive skin” means different things to different brands. Sticking with fragrance-free, minimal formulas, and always patch testing on a small area, goes a long way. Companies could help by disclosing the percentage of sun filters used and doing real-world testing on easily irritated skin, not just average volunteers.
If redness, stinging, or irritation tend to happen, scan for extra alcohols, preservatives, and dyes alongside ethylhexyl salicylate. Trust your own skin over advertisements. When in doubt, a board-certified dermatologist can review your products and help pick a routine that offers both sun protection and calm skin.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate |
| Other names |
Octyl Salicylate
2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate Octisalate |
| Pronunciation | /ˌiː.θɪlˈhɛk.sɪl səˈlɪ.sɪ.leɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 118-60-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208731 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34455 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1476 |
| ChemSpider | 10109 |
| DrugBank | DB14421 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03db36b3-cd8b-4d8c-963b-cc5d18624963 |
| EC Number | 204-263-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 70277 |
| KEGG | C14677 |
| MeSH | D017370 |
| PubChem CID | 5376 |
| RTECS number | DJ0959600 |
| UNII | DLK0D32U5P |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID9036383 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C15H22O3 |
| Molar mass | 198.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless or pale yellow oily liquid |
| Odor | Faint floral |
| Density | 1.011 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 4.96 |
| Vapor pressure | <1 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.13 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.80 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.78×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.500–1.504 |
| Viscosity | Liquid, low viscosity |
| Dipole moment | 4.72 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 471.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -640.1 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7804 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D02BA12 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | Warning, H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 86°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 343°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 18,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | IDLH: Not Listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.00–5.00% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Salicylic acid
Octyl salicylate Homosalate Butylparaben Benzyl salicylate Ethylparaben |
