Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE
Also known as: Octinoxate, OMC
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 5466-77-3
- Category
- uv filter
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- EU Status
- Restricted
- Max Concentration
- 10%
- Found In
- sunscreen, moisturizer with SPF
Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate safe in cosmetics?
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Photoallergen. Banned in Hawaii. Endocrine disruptor. This ingredient is restricted under EU cosmetic regulations. Safer alternatives include Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. Commonly found in sunscreen, moisturizer with SPF.
What is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate?
Common UVB filter. Endocrine disruptor concerns. Banned in Hawaii and Palau.
Allergy & Safety Information
Octinoxate is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About UV Filter / Sunscreen Agent Ingredients
UV filters absorb or reflect ultraviolet radiation to protect skin from UV-induced damage. They fall into two categories: chemical filters (which absorb UV and convert it to heat) and mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, which physically scatter UV). Both can cause reactions in sensitised individuals, though mineral filters have lower overall allergenicity.
Relevance for Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: The most allergenic chemical UV filters include oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octocrylene, and avobenzone. If you react to chemical sunscreens, switching to pure mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only) is usually the safest alternative.
How to Identify Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Sunscreen, Moisturizer with SPF. These product categories are the most common sources of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Octinoxate safe for sensitive skin?
Octinoxate may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Octinoxate?
Octinoxate is commonly found in sunscreen, moisturizer with SPF.
What does Octinoxate do in cosmetics?
Octinoxate functions as a uv_filter in formulations.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Mineral vs chemical UV filters — which are safest?
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate causing YOUR skin reactions?
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