Octinoxate
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
UV filter
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreens, Lip balms, creams, cosmetics
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OCTINOXATE ?
Octinoxate has been observed to provide protection against cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers based on UV exposure reduction by octinoxate. It has been found to potentiate the effects of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which may have downstream metabolic effects on keratinocytes.
WHAT IS OCTINOXATE ?
Octinoxate (i.e., octyl methoxycinnamate or ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) is an organic filter used to block ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and UVA2 light.
IS OCTINOXATE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Octinoxate is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available evidence. There is a potential for endocrine disruption, skin absorption and breast milk excretion, so individuals should use products containing octinoxate cautiously in these circumstances.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
There are no absolute contraindications for octinoxate based on literature review. However, individuals with allergies to octinoxate or products containing it should avoid them. Because of its negative impact on marine life, octinoxate may be restricted in areas like Hawaii and Florida.
Sources:
Duale N, Olsen AK, Christensen T, Butt ST, Brunborg G. Octyl methoxycinnamate modulates gene expression and prevents cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation but not oxidative DNA damage in UV-exposed human cell lines. Toxicol Sci. 2010;114(2):272-284.
Fivenson D, Sabzevari N, Qiblawi S, Blitz J, Norton BB, Norton SA. Sunscreens: UV filters to protect us: Part 2-Increasing awareness of UV filters and their potential toxicities to us and our environment. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020;7(1):45-69. Published 2020 Sep 9.
Suh S, Pham C, Smith J, Mesinkovska NA. The banned sunscreen ingredients and their impact on human health: a systematic review. Int J Dermatol. 2020;59(9):1033-1042.
