Octisalate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE
Also known as: Octyl Salicylate
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 118-60-5
- Category
- uv filter
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Max Concentration
- 5%
- Found In
- sunscreen
Is Octisalate safe in cosmetics?
Octisalate is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. Commonly found in sunscreen.
What is Octisalate?
Octisalate is a uv_filter commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Octisalate is considered safe for cosmetic use. No significant safety concerns have been identified at typical use concentrations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
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 Octisalate: 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 Octisalate 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 Octisalate, 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. These product categories are the most common sources of Octisalate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Octisalate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Octisalate and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Octisalate safe for sensitive skin?
Octisalate is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.
What products contain Octisalate?
Octisalate is commonly found in sunscreen.
What does Octisalate do in cosmetics?
Octisalate functions as a uv_filter in formulations.
Related Guides
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 Octisalate causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
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