Ethylhexyl Salicylate, known by its molecular formula C15H22O3, stands as a chemical compound that finds common application in the formulation of sun care products and other personal care materials. Its typical form is a clear, oily liquid appearing colorless to pale yellow, giving it a familiar look for those used to working with cosmetic raw materials. Many in the chemical industry know it by the name Octyl Salicylate. HS Code identification for global trade purposes often lists this material under 291821, reflecting its classification in global customs systems as an ester of salicylic acid. With a molecular weight of 250.33 g/mol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate offers low volatility, which allows it to blend easily into oil phases of skin care solutions without contributing unwanted smell or texture.
The chemical stays as a stable, hydrophobic liquid under standard conditions. Industry rarely encounters this substance in powder, flakes, or crystal forms. Unlike some other personal care additives, this material keeps a liquid state at room temperature and does not show pearlescent or solid flakes. The density measures about 1.011 g/cm³ at 20°C, and it tends to dissolve well in most cosmetic oils but avoids blending easily with water, an important point for manufacturers handling emulsions. One key feature of Ethylhexyl Salicylate lies in its relatively low melting point, keeping it fluid even in cool conditions. This fluidity allows for easy pumping, accurate measurement, and seamless mixing, ensuring that dosing remains straightforward in a batch or continuous process context.
Structurally, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an ester formed from the reaction between salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. The compound features the typical salicylate group linked through an oxygen atom to the ethylhexyl moiety, which builds out the backbone found in several UV-absorbing ingredients. This structure delivers strong UVB absorption, with a peak near 307 nm, making it a valuable contributor to sunscreen efficacy and broad-spectrum SPF protection. Despite its usefulness in absorbing UV rays and protecting skin from potential burns, Ethylhexyl Salicylate must always combine with other actives to round out UVA protection, a detail experienced formulators never overlook. By resisting photo-degradation, the compound holds up under sun exposure better than some older sun filters, a trait that supports lasting performance on skin and boosts consumer trust.
Suppliers generally deliver Ethylhexyl Salicylate in drum or liter-sized containers to bulk purchasers. Specifications for cosmetic use call for high purity—usually above 98%—with color and odor kept tightly controlled to prevent negative impact on finished materials. End users expect defined acidity, low water content, and minimal impurities, which drives manufacturers to maintain strict in-house testing with every lot. Safety awareness has grown significantly over past decades, prompting transparent handling and clear labeling. In most regulatory regions, this chemical receives approval within designated concentration limits, for example, up to 5% in the United States and European Union personal care markets. Still, new studies sometimes prompt careful review. The ingredient does not classify as hazardous for handling at standard temperatures in its intended usage concentrations, but it can cause mild skin or eye irritation when spilled in raw form. Chemical workers and laboratory staff limit risk by wearing suitable gloves, goggles, and long-sleeve clothing when measuring or cleaning spills.
Although not considered acutely toxic, Ethylhexyl Salicylate should always be respected in a professional setting. Material safety data sheets warn about potential harm with prolonged skin exposure or accidental inhalation of raw fumes, though this risk remains quite low in reasonable industrial settings. If ingested, irritation to the digestive tract can occur, prompting the importance of keeping the chemical away from children and pets at all times. Spill management teams respond promptly with absorbent materials and routine cleaning steps to contain potential workplace hazards. Disposal solutions focus on compliance with local chemical waste rules—never pouring excess down the drain or into natural groundwater. While the environmental persistence is not as high as some other legacy UV filters, responsible manufacturers and formulators track wastewater content to minimize release into public waterways, part of a growing movement for sustainable chemical stewardship.
Improvement in sunscreen safety and sustainability starts at raw material selection. Demand for ingredients like Ethylhexyl Salicylate has risen in both small and large-scale manufacturing worldwide, as more consumers appreciate not just performance, but also reliability, supply continuity, and traceability from source to finished bottle. My own work with startup beauty brands showed that access to pure, well-characterized raw materials affects everything from product stability to compliance documentation and consumer perception. Customers, especially in today's data-driven markets, want assurance that every component in their lotion or makeup delivers on more than just performance—they expect scientific validation of safety, minimal risk of contamination, and clear paper trails from supplier to shelf. By fostering direct relationships with trusted chemical producers and maintaining robust testing programs on incoming drums or containers, brands create a better foundation for innovation, consumer protection, and regulatory trust.
Switching between raw material suppliers presents challenges for smaller businesses seeking consistent batches. Because even minor differences in impurity levels or solvent residues can disrupt automation or change physical texture, manufacturers need batch-level testing backed by laboratory analysis. Investing in material characterization—like infrared spectra, chromatography, or purity assays—avoids costly recalls, strengthens safety audits, and builds confidence between formulator and raw material supplier. Ongoing shifts in global regulation also mean keeping up with scientific literature, responding to public concerns about long-term health impact, and supporting efforts to develop even safer or more biodegradable alternatives down the road. Through better education of both production staff and front-end sales teams, the entire product life cycle can stay focused on transparency, real science, and continuous improvement—giving end customers what they deserve: safe, reliable products anchored in proven chemistry and up-to-date best practices.
