What it is
A cinnamate-derived UVB absorber, clear oily liquid widely used as a sunscreen active.
What it does
Absorbs UVB radiation to prevent sunburn. Often combined with avobenzone for broad-spectrum coverage.
Why it’s a concern
Octinoxate demonstrates estrogenic activity in rodent uterotrophic assays and has been detected in human urine and breast milk. The 2020 FDA MUsT study confirmed systemic absorption above safety-review thresholds. Like oxybenzone, it is implicated in coral reef damage and is banned in Hawaii and several Pacific jurisdictions.
Also known as
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateoctyl methoxycinnamateEHMC
CAS numbers
5466-77-3
Commonly found in
sunscreenfoundation with SPFlip balm
Safer alternatives
- non-nano zinc oxide
- non-nano titanium dioxide
Sources
- Matta et al. 2020, JAMA
- Krause et al. 2012, IJAndrology