Octisalate

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Ultraviolet filter
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreen, creams, cosmetic products

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OCTISALATE?

Octisalate has a salicylate ring, which like other filters provides protection from ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light through absorbing this harmful energy.

WHAT IS OCTISALATE ?

Octisalate (i.e., 2-ethylhexyl salicylate or octyl salicylate) is an FDA-approved organic ultraviolet-B (UV-B) filter.

IS OCTISALATE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Octisalate is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available evidence. Studies have not found phototoxic or irritant potential from octisalate. Its systemic absorption surpasses the existing FDA threshold for the allowable amount.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no absolute contraindications to octisalate based on review of available evidence. There are reports of allergic contact dermatitis to octisalate. Individuals with reactions to octisalate should likely avoid products containing it.

Sources:

Miralles JC, Escudero AI, Carbonell A, Martínez A, Fernández E, Cardona P. Allergic contact dermatitis from ethylhexyl salicylate. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2015;25(1):66-67.

Mortz CG, Thormann H, Goossens A, Andersen KE. Allergic contact dermatitis from ethylhexyl salicylate and other salicylates. Dermatitis. 2010;21(2):E7-E10.

Pantelic MN, Wong N, Kwa M, Lim HW. Ultraviolet filters in the United States and European Union: A review of safety and implications for the future of US sunscreens. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;88(3):632-646.

Shaw DW. Allergic contact dermatitis from octisalate and cis-3-hexenyl salicylate. Dermatitis. 2006;17(3):152-155.

Singh M, Beck MH. Octyl salicylate: a new contact sensitivity. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;56(1):48.

Nishad Sathe, MD

Author

Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota